Local growers prepare to pour

THE Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival is preparing for its biggest instalment yet when it returns on 2 and 3 April.

This year’s event at Rosalind Park is set to include 21 wineries with more than 20 grape varietals and 100 wines for tasting, all from members of the Bendigo Winegrowers Association.

Festival chair Robert Black said the weekend was already shaping up to be a success, with a drop to suit anyone’s preference.

“The response has been terrific, with less than 200 tickets now remaining for Saturday. There will be music on both days, plenty of food and the masterclass sessions are back on the Sunday,” he said.

“This year’s event will have some new vineyards in attendance with new varietals such as vermentino, that haven’t been presented before.

“There is a record number of both sparkling and rosé styles to try, new Mediterranean varieties and of course our region’s iconic reds, featuring our traditional Shiraz and cabernet blends.”

The festival will span the entire weekend, with an over 18s event on the Saturday and a family friendly day on Sunday.

This year is the second time the festival has been held over two days, following the success of the weekend format last year.

Bendigo Winegrowers Association president Wes Vine said conditions were ideal for growers this season, meaning “many happy winemakers” would be in attendance.

“The festival is a celebration of the end of harvest, and this year’s harvest will be excellent as we’ve experienced a longer ripening period and larger yield,” he said.

Tickets are available on the Bendigo Wine website.