Forty-one Heathcote wine producers will be gathered to offer tastings and sales of new-release wines (many being debuted at the festival), trusted favourites and rare museum vintages.
The festival was last held three years ago as both 2020 and 2021 events were cancelled due to COVID restrictions. Ticket sales are tracking ahead of 2019 with crowds expected to reach close to 4000 across the two days with buses running from both Bendigo and Melbourne.
The Golden Ticket is back and in hot demand (Saturday’s allocation is almost sold out). Tickets include express entry, a festival tote bag, gourmet lunch box and access to the Golden Ticket Lounge providing seating, shade and private bathroom facilities. Tickets are $110 and available online only until Friday, September 30.
There’s a fresh look for the seminar sessions — The Tasting Table with Meg Brodtmann MW (Australia’s first female Master of Wine) and Mel Gilchrist — hosts of Australia’s #1 Wine Podcast — Wine with Meg & Mel. Topics include Heathcote Whites, Med Reds, Food and Wine Pairing and, of course, Shiraz MasterClass. Tickets are $15 online (until Friday, September 30) or $20 at event and include four wines tasted and discussed over a 20-minute period.
The Tasting Table seats only 14 people with guest appearances from local winemakers — tickets are limited and selling fast.
Another new space is the Producer’s Market showcasing the best of central Victorian produce. Chef Luis Calandro (ex-Grossi Merchant) will be spit-roasting locally sourced meats over charcoal, served on Turkish rolls or over ancient grain salad.
Other food vendors include food trucks Porcupine Eatery and Big Zig & Co. and festival favourites The Flying Calamari Brothers, Vietnam Food House and The Greek Stop. Local producers include Brazen Brownies, Long Paddock Cheese and Salami Shack.
Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival has curated a stellar line-up on the live music stage. Performers include Bill Barber, Mariah McCarthy and the Funk Junkies.
There’s also children’s entertainment and lawn games. And if festival-goers are overwhelmed by choice and unsure which wines to buy, they can follow the Festival Scavenger Hunts and win prizes only available at the festival.
Tickets for this year’s Heathcote Wine and Food Festival are on sale now at www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au
18°C