Head to the Pyrenees this summer and autumn for a celebration of food, the arts, markets, music and, of course, wine.

Described as Victoria’s hidden secret, this region of forests, rivers, mountains, vineyards and farms is dotted with historic towns filled with fabulous shops and stores, pubs, cafes and restaurants, and boutique accommodation.

Just 45 minutes west of Ballarat, the Pyrenees takes in towns such as Beaufort, Avoca, Streatham and Moonambel.

It’s a region of spectacular farmland, historic homes and a wine industry boasting well-known names such as Blue Pyrenees, Taltarni Vineyards, Summerfield Winery, Peerick Wines and Sally’s Paddock.

This summer and autumn, the region will come alive with an exciting series of outdoor events, including:

• a pop-up museum honouring the life of Cyril Callister – the inventor of Vegemite – in a former 1950s service station in Beaufort (the fourth Saturday of each month)
• Avoca’s Sunday By The River – a relaxed afternoon of smooth tunes and funky beats (Sunday 20 February)
• bush poetry with Col Driscoll at Moonambel’s Taltarni Vineyards (Saturday 26 February)
• Bitter Sweet at the Snake Valley Hotel (Saturday 26 February)
• Painting and Tasting in the Pyrenees at Taltarni Vineyards (5 March)
• the Beaufort Car and Truck Show and Shine (Saturday 5 March)
• the sounds of Laura Fitzgibbon at Moonambel’s Dalwhinnie Wines (Saturday 12 March)
• Music at the Moonambel Hotel (Sunday 13 March)
• Beaufort by Twilight (Friday 18 March)
• Brass on the Grass at Beaufort Golf Club (Sunday 20 March)
• live music at Taltarni Vineyards with Riley Mason (Saturday 26 March)
• Silobration under the Stars at Avoca (Saturday 2 April)
• Bob Jenyns on the Lawn at Mrs Baker’s Distillery (2-25 April)
• the popular Pyrenees Unearthed – Avoca’s riverside wine and food festival (Saturday 9 April)
• the Beaufort Town Market on the fourth Saturday of each month
• the Avoca Riverside Market on the fourth Sunday of each month

Discover historic Mount Cole in the Harrisons Navrun 4WD Challenge (19-20 March) or head to the Beaufort Summer Show (30 January) to watch the dressage, woodchop and those tireless working dogs rounding up sheep.

With the Pyrenees Farm Gate Trail taking in the best of the region’s winemakers and artisans, now is the perfect time to get far away from the crowds and enjoy the fresh country air of the Pyrenees.