Friday 8th October

7.30pm Facing Windows Italian Language Film

Director Ferzan Ozpetek's latest film looks at how random events in the present can have unexpected links to the past and to memories almost forgotten. Combining elements of mystery, love story and historical rumination, Facing Windows is about finding and fulfilling one's destiny. Rated M. English Subtitles

Myrtleford Memorial Hall, Great Alpine Road Myrtleford

Tickets $8.00 adults $5.00 kids available at box office 30 minutes prior to screening.

8.00 pm Alpine Valleys Budburst Ball – with Zoot Suit

As the new buds emerge on the vines, the vignerons of the Alpine Valleys will be celebrating the arrival of a new growing season. Enjoy the grooving rhythms of Zoot Suit, sensational finger food and the region's best wines in the rustic setting of a grand old tobacco shed.

McGuffie's Tobacco Shed, Buffalo Creek Road , Myrtleford

Tickets $40.00 available at the Alpine Visitor Centre in Myrtleford on (03) 5752 1044

Licensed Event Only. Strictly no BYO

A shuttle bus service will be available to the ball by pre-arranged booking. Bookings close 3.00pm Friday 8 th October. Ring (03) 5751 9344 for details of departure times and locations.

Saturday 9th October

11.00 am – 5.00 pm Food & Wine Fair

Myrtleford Recreation Reserve, Yackandandah Road , Myrtleford

$5 entry with wineglass Kids Free (dress in international costume)

Licensed Event Only. Strictly no BYO

A great day out for the whole family. Come and join in the colourful celebration of Myrtleford's cultural heritage. Enjoy music and dance performances all day from school and community groups and regional artists. At 12.30pm the children can join in the parade and judging for Best International Costume. Sample delicious international food and the array of cool climate Alpine Valleys wines available for tasting and by the glass.

Meander through the Producers Market open all day in the Richardson Pavilion and discover the wonderful produce grown and made in the region. Taste the products of the North Eastern olive growers and become a judge yourself by taking part in the Peoples Choice awards. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Olive Pip Spit competition. Visit the olive producers, eat an olive and spit the pip. Grand prize for the furthest PIP SPIT.

In the Marquee… Wine & Food Master Classes

11.00 am Get the Good Oil

Is virgin best? What is an extra virgin?

Hosted by a panel of experts from the Olive Producers of N.E. Victoria including growers, processors and judges

12.00 pm The Great Alpine Salami Challenge

The ultimate challenge for salami producers throughout the North East. Watch the judging panel as they meticulously taste and examine the entries in a quest to find the best hot, the best mild and the best overall salami. 12.30pm awards presentation.

Entries to be lodged with the Alpine Visitor Information Centre by Friday 8 th October.

1.00 pm Those Tender Green Tips of Spring – Cooking Demonstration

Guest Chef Patrizia Simone and Helen Ruaro of Bluebell Asparagus combine forces in a reverent celebration of the new season's asparagus.

2.00 pm Mountains of Food & Wine

A showcase of the diverse food and wine product of the Alpine Valleys.

Presented by Food Wine Friends & Michelini Wines

3.00 pm Table Olive Workshop

A great opportunity to learn how to transform those bitter fruits into the tasty morsels we love to eat. Hosted by a panel of experts from the Olive Producers of N.E. Victoria including growers, processors and judges

4.00 pm International brewing styles - Beer Tasting

An informative look at some of the fascinating styles of beer brewed throughout the world.

Presented by Tooheys.

7.30 pm Golden Olive Awards Dinner

The 5 th annual awards dinner presented by the Olive Producers of N.E. Victoria. Six stunning courses prepared from the regions' finest ingredients by guest chefs Adam Pizzini and Richard Verrochio matched to a selection of Alpine Valleys wines. Celebrate with the winners of the best olive oils, best table olives and best packaging classes and witness the presentation of the peoples choice award. Lots of fun, food, wine and laughter.

Myrtleford Savoy Club Auditorium, Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford

$75 includes all food and wine. Tickets from the Alpine Visitor Information Centre.

Sunday 10th October

12.00pm Ecumenical Celebration and Crop Blessing in the Vines

Bring along a picnic basket and chairs to this informal service presented by Fr Chris St John where we give thanks to the diverse people who have contributed to Myrtleford's colourful history. (No BYO alcohol) Enquiries to (03) 5752 1046

Gapsted Wines, Great Alpine Road, Gapsted

2.30 pm Petanque Challenge at Gapsted

Get a team together for an informal game on the lawns over a glass of Gapsted wine. Contact the winery for registration details on (03) 5751 1383. Free Entry

Gapsted Wines, Great Alpine Road, Gapsted.

4.30 pm Loves Brother English Language Film

A gentle romantic fable about love, destiny and the first espresso machine in Australia . In a small rural town in ‘50s Australia , two brothers work hard to build a new life in this lucky country. Meanwhile based on a letter and a photograph, a young woman in southern Italy prepares to emigrate and marry one of the brothers. The question is – which brother. This poignant tale of brotherly love unfolds against the backdrop of Il Café Latino, touching the lives of everyone there. Rated PG

Myrtleford Memorial Hall, Great Alpine Road Myrtleford

Tickets $8.00 adults $5.00 kids available at box office 30 minutes prior to screening.

6.30 pm Pasta Finale

To bring the festivities to an end, the Savoy Club welcomes you to a smorgasbord dinner of freshly made gnocchi, lasagne and salads. Take the whole family to enjoy a taste of traditional Myrtleford hospitality. Cost $15.00. Bookings (03) 5751 1296

Myrtleford Savoy Club, Great Alpine Road, Myrtleford

Why not savour a full week of springtime in the Alpine High Country and come up early to catch the

Albury Wodonga Region Wine & Food Festival over the weekend of 1-3 October 2004 as well as Allegro the following weekend. A three day celebration of the Albury-Wodonga region's food and wine industries including Fashions in Food, food and wine workshops, regional food tours, a foodie film and the annual Producers Picnic. For festival details ring (02) 6058 2996 or 0438 582 996.

The Olive Producers of N.E. Victoria are an association of growers, processors and olive lovers and will be showcasing the wonderful olive throughout the 2004 Allegro International Festival. Over the weekend they will offer tastings of oils and table fruit, educational classes and a Peoples Choice award for the finest olive oil. The olive festivities will culminate in the spectacular Golden Olive Awards dinner, the highlight of the olive growers year.