Some like it hot. Other milder folk prefer not to flirt with such danger. But whichever category you fall into, your tastebuds will find plenty to love when the Yarra Valley's Herb and Chilli Festival returns to spice up your weekend. Descending on founders Clive and Di Larkman's Wandin herb farm from Saturday, March 15–Sunday, March 16, the flavour fest is set to once again deliver a fiery mix of food, entertainment and more. A hefty lineup of stallholders will be slinging everything from chilli plants and fresh herbs to flavour-packed pantry goods. Visit the international food court for a ready-to-eat spice hit from the likes of The Smoke Pit, Tornado Spuds and Wun Hung Lo Dumpling Company, and sample feisty booze products like hot chilli wine and Logan's signature Thai Venom Vodka. Easier-drinking sips will be on offer from labels including Hop Hen Brewery, Burnley Brewing, and Morgan's Winery and Distillery. As you can imagine, you'll find a tastebud-tingling array of hot sauce varieties to try and buy on Hot Sauce Alley, while the live cooking stage will play host to both chef demos and a stack of fiery eating competitions. Are you game to try the Stinger Wing Challenge? Reckon you could reign supreme in the famed chilli-scoffing contest? Luckily, you can keep your cool between chillies with a program of live tunes — with the six-piece band Harmaniax taking centre place. There'll even be a Chilli Express bus service carting people to and from Lilydale Station — helping folks drink the day away without worrying about driving or having to get expensive cabs.
