Heathcote goes on show in flagship event

LOVERS of fine wine, good food, live music and lifestyle will find much to enjoy when Heathcote On Show takes place in and around the area over the King’s Birthday Weekend.

More than 25 venues and an even larger number of producers will be involved for what has grown into possibly Heathcote’s premier event of this kind.

Organised and run by Heathcote Tourism and Development, Heathcote On Show has been held annually for at least 15 years, and according to the organisation’s vice-president India Munari, continues to go from strength to strength. “This is our pinnacle; it’s absolutely our flagship event for the region,” she said.

Ms Munari said producers and other participants were encouraged to “do something different” as part of HTD’s efforts to attract as many people as possible.

For example, some hold pop-up cellar doors on High Street.

Among special events this year will be a Rare Museum Shiraz Class at the Sanguine Estate in Shurans Lane on the Saturday, hourly winemaking tasting seminars on Saturday and Sunday at the Silver Spoon Estate at nearby Mount Camel, and a Tellurian Barrel Room Dinner at Tellurian Wines in Toolleen on the Saturday and Sunday nights.

Ms Munari said apart from winemakers, brewers and distillers were now becoming more involved and helping to attract people to the event and the area.

Ms Munari – whose own Munari Wines participates in the event – said Heathcote On Show regularly attracted about 4,000 people, but organisers were always looking to bring many more to the region.

As usual, live music from local performers, tapas, cheese tastings and similar attractions will be on the agenda.

A shuttle bus will operate over four routes between 12 venues throughout the three days, while an express return bus service will run from the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre.

Information and tickets are both available from the event website, heathcoteonshow.com.

The event takes place from June 8 to June 10.