Heathcote vineyards and producers to star again at Harvest Festival

HEATHCOTE will celebrate the beginning of autumn and the harvest season for local vineyards and producers once again when the Heathcote Harvest Festival takes place on Sunday 9 March.

Organised and run by Heathcote Tourism and Development (HTD), the family event gets underway at 4pm, continues until 8pm, and will be held at Barrack Reserve.

A variety of local and regional market stalls will be set up with items and produce such as jewellery, crafts and fine foods, and there will also be sweet treats, food stalls and more.

Festival-goers will be able to sample local wines, craft beer and gin, while the food offerings will include barbecue meats, paella, burgers, vegan dishes and Filipino cuisine.

The event is free, but a $10 charge per adult will apply to those who want to buy alcoholic drinks. That price includes a reusable polycarbonate glass to use throughout the festival.

Live music from bands Rattlicane, Paper Jane and Willowbank Grove from 4.30pm and free children’s entertainment, face painting, and outdoor games will also be on the roster.

The festival was officially launched in 2022 after the success of a previous event called the Heathcote Community Festival in 2021.

HTD treasurer and festival organiser Tim Oudenryn said the event was first organised because the group wanted to create a community and family focused event to help promote the local produce of Heathcote and its surrounds through its members.

“It was called the Heathcote Harvest Festival as wineries, distilleries and other local producers commence their harvest around the same time,” he said.

Mr Oudenryn said the 2024 instalment attracted about 1000 people, and HTD is hoping to at least match that this year.

He said festival-goers were usually a 50/50 mix of locals and people from outside the Heathcote region.

“It’s a family and community orientated event so it’s [appropriate for] all ages,” Mr Oudenryn said. “There’ll be games, face painting and music that will suit all tastes.”

Information is available on the heathcote.org.au website.