Grape Day Out ushers in new era for wine festival

IF you think you know Bendigo’s wine festival, think again.

In 2026, the event formerly known as the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival returns as the Strategem Grape Day Out, and it’s not just a new name.

This is a complete reinvention, with a new format, expanded food offering and a stronger focus on creating a full day out.

Set beneath the autumn trees of Rosalind Park, Grape Day Out brings together Bendigo’s winemakers for a day that now leans just as heavily into food, music and atmosphere as it does into great wine.

“We’ve taken what people loved and reimagined it,” said Bendigo Winegrowers’ event spokesperson Steve Vine.

“This isn’t just a wine tasting anymore. It’s a day where you can settle in, eat well, discover new wines and really enjoy the experience,” Vine said.

More than 80 wines will be available for tasting, with winemakers on hand to share the stories behind their vineyards and vintages.

A major evolution this year is the introduction of a City of Gastronomy food experience, which sits alongside the food trucks and adds a new dimension to the event. Local favourites The Dispensary, The Woodhouse and Le Foyer will serve curated dishes designed to complement the wines.

Guests can now choose between a general entry or a pre-purchased food ticket, which includes two restaurant dishes and a complimentary glass of wine.

That wine also carries a deeper story, with glasses poured from producers impacted by the Harcourt fires, offering a simple and meaningful way to support local winemakers.

Pre-purchasing a food ticket is recommended to secure access to the restaurant’s offerings, as availability is limited on the day.

The event has also upped the entertainment, with Melbourne’s Baker Boys Band set to bring high-energy live music alongside crowd favourites like the grape stomp.

A new premium Bubbles Club will offer a dedicated space for guests to enjoy exclusive regional sparkling wines, while for the first time, Bendigo Brewing will join the festival, expanding the drinks offering to include locally crafted beer.

“It’s about opening the doors wider,” Vine said. “We want people who love wine, people who love food and people who just want a great day out to feel like this event is for them.”

With strong early interest, Grape Day Out is shaping up as one of the region’s standout autumn events.

Strategem Grape Day Out will be held in Rosalind Park on Saturday 2 May from 11am to 4pm.

Tickets are now on sale. Event details and bookings are available through Humanitix or via the Bendigo Wine website

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