HUNDREDS of Victorians tasted their way through the Lake House Regional Producers Day in Daylesford on Sunday.
Ever year the 2.4ha property opens its doors for a celebration of beer, wine, cider, cheese, meat, fruit and veg.
Tastings, cooking demonstrations, a barbecue and fresh produce were available all day.
Local producers including Meredith Dairy, Oss Eels, Heathecote Yabbies, Sher Wagyu, Tuki Trout and Lamb, Daylesford Organics, Myrtleford Butter Factory, JC Bee Honey and special guests Vanilla Australia held exhibitions.
Hepburn Mayor Bill McClenaghan usually runs the Daylesford Sunday Market, but made time to visit the Regional Producers day for the first time.
"This day shows everyone what a wonderful food-producing area this is," Cr McClenaghan said.
"It's a very popular place for visitors, and foodies, in particular, and this is a signature event every year."
Cr McClenaghan presented this year's Sustainability Award to Red Beard Historic Bakery and a certificate of merit to Angelica Organic Farm.
Angelica owners Tim and Deri-Anne Wyatt grow gourmet garlic, herbs, sunflowers and heirloom vegetables on 2.8ha in Glenlyon, 12km north-east of Daylesford.
They supply to popular Melbourne eateries Movida and Pope Joan, and supply to wholesale markets, as well as selling at their farm gate on Fridays after Thursday harvest.
Tim, originally a chef, and Deri-Anne, an acupuncturist, always wanted to become organic growers, sharing a love of good food.
"We're pretty proud of what we've done, and are now looking at expanding over the next 2-3 years," Tim said.
"We're looking at going into animals, probably cattle and chooks, and doing organic meat."
