Warm Up This Winter by the Fireside

Gather your friends and family to discover the best winter indulgences in the capital region during this year's Fireside Festival.

Celebrating everything good about winter, this month-long Canberra region festival is all about curling up by a crackling fire with some hearty winter cuisine while enjoying a glass of fine local wine with friends. 

Make Canberra your destination to experience everything from degustation dinners celebrating local and seasonal produce to tastings of the region's best reds, as well as innovative and exciting performances, events and exhibitions.

Fireside Festival starts with the Fireside Truffle Weekend from 25-27 July with venues like Pod Food, Grazing and Poacher's Pantry showcasing the best of the region's truffles with inspiring dinners.

You can also celebrate the region's truffles with a deliciously rich and creamy brie-style cheese infused with truffles from French Black Truffles of Canberra matched to wine at Mount Majura Vineyard on 26 July.

Throughout August the celebrations continue with live music, winter horseback trail rides, assiette menus, tapas, launches of new season wines, 100 mile dinners, and some special accommodation packages. There's even fire twirling, art in the shearing shed, chocolate appreciation classes and so much more. 

Indulge in a Fireside Degustation at Pod Food with a seven or nine-course dinner available. Set among the beautiful established gardens of Pialligo Plantfarm and nestled in complete privacy in a quaint 1930s cottage, discover why Pod Food is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Fireside Fondue at the Capital Wines Epicurean Centre is the perfect winter indulgence. Head to Capital Wines every Saturday and Sunday during August for a very wicked three cheese fondue with a delicious assortment of figs, muscatels, fresh veggies and bread for dipping.

Experience the beauty of Lake George and get some exercise at the same time by doing the Lake George Vineyards Walk throughout the Fireside Festival. Call in and see the staff at the Lerida Estate Cellar Door to pick up your map and some notes on the walk, and enjoy lunch at Café Lerida before or after the walk.

The Fireside Festival is presented by the members of The Poacher's Way. For festival event details, visit www.thepoachersway.com.au