MORE than four thousand visitors are expected to descend on Heathcote early next month for the 2023 Wine and Food Festival.<\/p>\n
The festival has been running annually for more than 16 years and is an icon on the Australian Wine calendar, showcasing the region\u2019s major industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe festival will feature more than 40 local wine producers as well as live music by Bendigo Blues and Roots, lawn games by Games on the Green and scavenger hunts,\u201d said Jo Moody from the Heathcote Wine Growers Association.<\/p>\n
Returning to host their popular and educational Tasting Table are Meg & Mel, the hosts of Australia\u2019s number one wine podcast.<\/p>\n
Meg Brodtmann is Australia\u2019s first female master of wine, while Mel Gilchrist is a self-titled \u201cMaster of Sabrage\u201d.<\/p>\n
The pair explore the world of wine through their podcast in a \u201cfun and approachable way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA large percentage of attendees across the two days are from Metro Melbourne,\u201d said Ms Moody. \u201cThere will be buses running from both Bendigo and Melbourne.\u201d<\/p>\n
The festival is a chance to be among the first to sample new release wines from the region and learn about the wines that have recently achieved success in international and national awards.<\/p>\n
General admission tickets include all tastings and a souvenir Heathcote wine glass to take home.<\/p>\n