Cellar doors swing open

WINE lovers can get a taste of all the Heathcote region has to offer at this season’s Summer of Cellar Doors program.

Headed by the Heathcote Winegrowers Association, the program includes a range of weekend events scheduled until mid-March.

HWA president and owner of Tellurian Wines, Ian Hopkins, said the summer program was established to attract visitors to the region in quieter months when many travellers would instead opt for a beach vacation.

“What we’ve sought to do with this Summer of Cellar Doors promotion is make it clear to people that things are happening in the wineries in the Heathcote region and encourage them to come to this area over summer,” he said.

“We as a winegrowers association have been encouraging our members to put on something different, so we’ve got a range of things happening across various wineries.”

Mr Hopkins will show off his vineyard’s Riesling paired with freshly shucked oysters as part of the program and offer a shiraz vertical tasting event.

Also on the calendar is a series of twilight bar and barbecue events at Silver Spoon Estate, as well as live music and even a craft session complete with bubbling prosecco at Vinea Marson.

“A lot of people think of Heathcote as a shiraz, red wine region which is not necessarily something you go to through the warmer, summer months but there’s a lot more white wine being produced now and a lot of vineyards are producing a rosé,” Mr Hopkins said.

“There’s a very good summer offering across the region.”

For more information, head to heathcotewinegrowers.com.au.