By Jesse Graham
A NEW food and wine festival will premiere in April next year at Coldstream’s Rochford Wines, after being launched by the government on 8 December.
Tourism and Major Events Minister, John Eren, and Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes joined organisers to launch the Yarra Valley Wine and Food Festival at Victoria’s Parliament House, on Thursday 8 December.
The festival, which will be held at Rochford on 1 and 2 April next year, will feature the valley’s food and wine and is expected to attract up to 6000 visitors.
“There’s no place quite like the Yarra Valley for the fine food and wine so many of us enjoy,” Mr Eren said.
“This is a great opportunity for the region to showcase its wonderful strengths.”
The Wine and Food Festival will run from 11am-5pm on both days, with DeBortoli Wines, Hanrahan Vineyard, Balgownie Estate, Yering Farm Wines, Oakridge Wines, Punt Road Wines, Coombe Farm Wines, Helen and Joey Estate, Boat O’Craigo, Tokar Estate, Squitchy Lane, Bulong Estate, Sutherland Estate and Rochford Wines among the 50 wineries showcasing their produce.
A Festival Common will be set up on the lawn at the winery, with “wine laneways” set up for visitors to try different drops, in places such as Pinot Noir Lane.
Visitors will receive a commemorative wine glass on entry, and can purchase wine tasting cards for $20, good for 10 wine tastings.
Locally-made beer and cider will also be served at the festival, and a Masterclass Program will be run through the weekend, running visitors through winemaking.
Meanwhile, artists will take part in the Wine Barrel Art Competition, decorating barrels to exhibit over the weekend – visitors will be able to vote for a People’s Choice winner in the competition.
Children will be catered for at the event, with cooking demonstrations, entertainment and face-painting on the Sunday.
The event is funded through a Regional Events Fund grant and Ms Symes said larger events, such as the Wine and Food Festival, “are a key driver of local economies”.
“They provide jobs for locals, and that keeps communities strong.”
Entry to the Yarra Valley Food and Wine Festival is $25 per person per day, plus booking fee.
For more information, or to book, visit www.yarravalleywineandfoodfestival.com.au
