Wine Fest to break attendance record

TOMORROW’S Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival is on track to attract a record-breaking turnout, with up to 1500 people expected to attend the event at Rosalind Park.

According to organisers, nearly half of all ticket sales for the event this Saturday 13 April are festival first-timers, with people coming from as far away as Sydney and Adelaide, and a large contingent from Melbourne.

The popular event will feature more than 100 local wines and will also celebrate recent award-winning products including Turners Crossing’s Double Gold Medal for their 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon at the 2023 Intercontinental Wine Challenge and Blackjack Wines winning Best Victorian Shiraz at the 2023 Great Australian Shiraz Challenge.

Festival committee chair Rob Black said the unprecedented ticket sales were a testament to the event’s escalating prestige and the renowned winemaking excellence of Bendigo.

“We’re thrilled to offer an event that so passionately celebrates the region’s winemaking and brings people together in such a beautiful setting,” he said.

“With over 100 wines to explore, delicious food, engaging entertainment and live music, it’s a day to discover and enjoy the best of our region’s diverse wine styles.

“Every year, we strive to elevate the experience for our guests. This year, with such a diverse array of wines and activities, there is truly something for everyone.”

Local and live music will be a particular feature, along with the popular Grape Stomp Comp which will take place for the second year running.

Tickets provide access to all wine-tasting samples and additional glasses, and bottles of wine can be bought from winemakers. Water will be available free from stations around the site and a variety of food trucks will be operating.

The festival, which runs from 11am to 4pm, emphasises a culture of responsible enjoyment and has a strict no BYO policy. For more information visit bendigowine.org.au.