Embrace winter in Australia's capital Canberra with a warming glass of cool climate red wine by a roaring fireside, a truffle hunt or a degustation dinner.

Now in its fifth year, the Canberra & Capital Region Truffle Festival from 21 June to early August, showcases the local black Perigold truffles grown in the region.

It's a hands-on festival, with visitors invited to participate in truffle hunts, tastings, dinners and cooking demonstrations at multiple venues both in and around Canberra.

The full program will be available in May at www.trufflefestival.com.au

The Capital Country region (surrounding Canberra) has about 30 growers, with about 16,000 trees in various stages of truffle production. The trees, infected with the truffle fungus, take four to five years to produce truffles and increase in production by about 50 per cent each year.

Another favourite with foodies is the annual Fireside Festival (1 to 31 August) at more than 20 venues throughout the Canberra region.

The festival celebrates what's good about winter: curling up by a crackling fire while enjoying a glass of cool climate region red, hearty winter cuisine and great entertainment. The full program will be available soon and can be found at www.thepoachersway.com.au