Wine wonderland

MORE than 700 guests wined and dined at Geelong’s ultimate one-day wine festival ‘Toast to the Coast’ sampling fine produce from across the region.

Wine connoisseurs basked in the beautiful autumn sun while enjoying the very best cool-climate wines from the Moorabool Valley, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula.

The 2022 event incorporated all the traditional elements of the Toast to the Coast festival, but this time rather than having to choose between venues to attend, all wine, food and beverages were available in the one place at The Pier in Geelong.

About 20 Geelong wineries, two gin distilleries and a brewery were involved in the one-day event, with attendees packing out the Geelong venue in both the morning and afternoon sessions.

“The event was a major success with over 700 guests turning up for the morning and afternoon events,” Wine Geelong CEO Jo Wealands said.

“We had people come from all across the region, with many also making the trip from Melbourne on the ferry.

“It was excellent to showcase our beautiful wines to people that may not have been familiar with the rich culture that we have on show down here.

“It was the perfect day of weather and everything that we could have asked for and more.”

The morning session between 11am and 2pm was accompanied by some cracking tunes by soul groovers Georga Byrne and Luke B as guests sipped on some of the best wines and beverages from across the region.

Slick jazz soul machines Nina Ferro and Issac Moran charmed the 3pm to 6pm crowd with some effortless rhythm.

“The music at the event was second to none and we can’t thank them enough in contributing to the great vibe that we had going,” Ms Wealands said.

“Georga, Luke, Nina and Issac had the room up and dancing throughout both the morning and afternoon sessions.

“Whilst the music was running we had our guests making their way through all the amazing products on offer, with many buying their favourite bottles and supporting the makers.

“It was amazing to see all the support on show for our makers, as the pandemic has made it hard for them.”

Toast to the Coast will bring in their 20th year next year and organisers can’t wait to entertain the crowds.

“We had a large waiting list for the event this year and hopefully people will continue to support these wonderful events going forward,” Ms Wealands said.