In the midst of Australia’s harsh winter in August, the Yarra Valley Hot Chocolate Festival warms the air with its sweet aroma

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

 

While the Northern Hemisphere swelters under August’s heat, the Southern Hemisphere is deep in winter. In Victoria, Australia, the Yarra Valley hosts Australia’s first-ever Hot Chocolate Festival throughout the entire month of August. Visiting during this time allows you to experience being abroad, holding a carefully crafted cup of hot chocolate in your hands on a winter’s day, feeling its warmth slowly seep from your palms into your body—like basking in the first golden rays of early spring sunlight, as the chill evaporates from every pore in your back and shoulders. Lower your head to inhale that delightful sweetness, take a sip of the flowing ochre liquid, close your eyes, and let the deliciousness fill your heart.

Far from the hustle and bustle of city revelry, leaving behind the glitz and glamour, the Yarra Valley Hot Chocolate Festival offers visitors not only the finest of Australian food culture but also an elegant romance. The Chocolaterie has hired world-class European chocolatiers and pastry chefs to collaborate with local professionals, proudly launching seven limited-edition new flavors each week. The flavors include: Nutty Salted Caramel (nutty and salty), Tiramisu (tiramisu), Chilli Bomb (spicy bomb), Mint Madness (mad mint), Cherry Delight (cherry delight), Roasted Macadamia (Australian roasted nuts), and Berry Explosion (berry explosion). All are made with locally sourced ingredients from Yarra Valley farmers and premium Belgian chocolate.

 

For hot chocolate fans, it’s not just a treat for the taste buds—you can also vote for your favorite flavor and even win a handcrafted chocolate treat weighing as much as you do, made specially by Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. During the festival, visitors can enjoy free chocolate tastings and watch European master chocolatiers showcase their incredible skills as they handcraft over 150 different chocolate treats. After finishing your hot chocolate, kids can run and play in the garden-designed area, darting between sculptures and wandering through the orchard.

Leanne Neeland, Executive Director of the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, said: “Hot chocolate is about to step into the spotlight as the star of the show. We want to show everyone the exploration, discovery, and charm of chocolate food culture, celebrate this winter together, and demonstrate our love for chocolate and other local specialties.”

 

Ms. Neeland also added: “We’ve found that today’s customers have refined tastes and discerning palates. They appreciate high-quality products and excellent craftsmanship. The days of simply mixing a few spoonfuls of cocoa powder into drinks are long gone. Visitors and locals alike in the Yarra Valley now have a deeper understanding of premium food and beverages, and the kids are sure to love the wide array of fun activities at the Hot Chocolate Festival—and will have the chance to dive right in and enjoy themselves.”

 

 

●  Further reading:

Overseas Work & Study Travel Action Guide: "Travel Study e-Guide"

http://goo.gl/vebyKJ

 

MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network: The largest Chinese-language travel information platform

www.mook.com.tw