http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au/story/3775104/go-for-broke-and-enjoy-italy/?cs=2330Go for Broke and enjoy A Little Bit of Italy By Ellie-Marie Watts
THE Hunter Valley hamlet of Broke Fordwich will transform into an Italian haven in April for a unique and enriching festival.
TASTE: Californians Sarah Kennebeck and Lily Ridgleysmith at Mount Broke Wines during the A Little Bit of Italy festival in 2015. Picture: Peter Stoop
For the 11th year, the A Little Bit of Italy festival will transform the Broke Fordwich wine region into a mouth-watering Italian haven.
The event, now spanning across three days, from Friday, April 8 until Sunday, April 10, will celebrate all things Italian.
“For our 11th year we have reinvigorated the event’s format to become a festival dedicated to Italian inspired food, wine and activities spread across a relaxing long weekend,” A Little Bit of Italy event manager Rowena Hawkins said.
“We feel this year’s event is our best one to date and are looking forward to sharing the good food, wine, music and fun that best reflects the passion of the Italian spirit.”
Originating as an intimate Italian dinner in 2005, hosted by a local winery, the event now encompasses 12 venues, providing plenty of opportunities to indulge in wood-fired pizza, antipasti, and Italian cheese.
The weekend will showcase an impressive line-up of fresh produce and local wine, along with master classes and demonstrations hosted by the growers, makers and owners of the venues, all with an Italian twist.
Festival attendees are to look out for the event flags that indicate participating venues, and to pick up an event wine glass for $10 at their first stop.
There will be a shuttle bus available for $25 per day.
The cost of the festival depends on the venues and events happening during the three days.
Some venues have pre-event ticket requirements, others have tickets available on the day.
Souvenir wine glasses are available at all venues for $10. The event glass is the key for wine tasting and sales throughout the day.
More information is available at italyinbroke.com.au.
The Examiner has a double pass, worth $20, to the event. To win this pass, send your name and daytime contact details in an email titled “Italy” to
ewatts@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
The winner will be notified by 5pm on Wednesday, March 30
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