Mont De Lancey marketing manager Chris Helleren.By Melissa Donchi
A FARMERS’ market is just the latest event to take place at the multi-faceted community estate, Mont De Lancey.
Tucked away in the Wandin hills, Mont De Lancey is fast becoming the place to be on the weekends with its famous French breakfasts, live music and unique Yarra Valley views.
Now there is another event to add to the calendar, the Mont Market that is to be held every second Saturday of the month from 9am to 2pm.
But this isn’t just any old farmers’ market, it’s selling the best of the best, which means regional specialities are being sourced from all over the state.
With oranges from Mildura and cheese from Gippsland, the organisers of these farmers’ markets have been very busy sourcing only the very best produce for its customers.
The Mont Market is the result of collaboration between Mont De Lancey’s marketing manager Chris Helleren, George Nicholas of Nicholas Olives, who has overseen national and international farmer’s markets, Lorraine Hunter and Fred Swainston from Giverny Estate Wines as well as Ann Creber, a well known food critic and stylist.
“Mont De Lancey has been screaming out for a farmers’ market for years,” Ms Helleren said.
“The Warburton Highway is the ideal spot for it.
“The idea is to highlight local produce as well as Victoria’s regional specialities,” Ms Helleren said, “in other words it’s the best of the best.”
With more than 50 stalls, some of the delicacies include seasonal fruit and vegetables, wines, condiments and preserves, farmhouse cheeses and artisan breads.
The Mont Market is already attracting attention with a long waiting list in place to deal with the growing interest.
“There are many important differences for traders in our market,” Ms Helleren said, “most importantly our traders will have a say, they will be invited to meetings and their site fees will be spent on re-advertising,” Ms Helleren said.
The first Mont Market will be officially opened on Saturday, 14 April by federal, state and local politicians and members of the community.
Future Mont Markets will coincide with other events as well with the May market hosting a Bridal Expo and the July market coordinated around Bastille Day.
