Top Geelong drops toasted

HUNDREDS of local wine-lovers charged their glasses and enjoyed the festivities at the 21st annual Toast to the Coast event last weekend.

The cultural extravaganza showcased more than 40 of the best cool climate wines from the Moorabool Valley, Surf Coast and Bellarine Peninsula as well as the crafty work of multiple top breweries and local distillers.

Back where it all begun at Deakin University Waterfront Campus, the event had something for everyone, with masterclasses, live music and small food stalls to enjoy.

Ticketholders sniffed, swirled and tasted local wines during a one-hour masterclass session with WSET educator Nicola Reid, while others compared old versus new Geelong wines with local winemaker Tom Brushfield.

Attendees could also buy wines by the bottle or glass throughout the day.

Steven Paul from participating winery Oakdene Estate said it was another successful day of celebrating local wine.

“Each year, Toast to the Coast provides the wine growers of the Geelong region with an opportunity to showcase wines with a collective voice.

“Growing conditions are discussed, and the impact of the season on our hero varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz can be clearly seen in the wines.”