Winery to host German Christmas in July with bells on

IT’S almost time for a little mid-winter cheer at St Anne’s Winery as the Myrniong venue gets set to celebrate German Christmas in July.

Set for Saturday 11 July, this will be the third time the seasonal celebration has taken place at the winery and it’s proven popular in the past.

Winery events manager Jakob Currey said this year’s event will feature traditional market stalls offering authentic German Christmas decorations, unique gifts, and other handcrafted treasures.

It will also offer the chance to indulge in an array of traditional German foods like bratwurst, pretzels, gingerbread, stollen, and other treats.

There’ll also be no shortage of opportunity to warm up with a cup or two of Glühwein, German mulled wine, or other festive favs like a wheat beer.

Live music and free tastings of the winery’s cellar door range are all part of the occasion that will get going from 1pm and run through to 8pm.

For the local Myrniong CFA the event is also a valued means of fundraising with brigade volunteers on hand to assist with car parking on the day.

The $5 cost per car goes to helping the brigade with vital equipment purchases, Myrniong CFA captain Brian Malloch said.

“St Anne’s are a Godsend to us,” Malloch said.

“In the next few years we are going to have to replace our Tanker Two and our ultralight 4WD vehicle at a cost in excess of $100,000 all up.”

Currey said that when German Christmas in July has taken place previously it has drawn up to a couple of thousand visitors who travel from far and wide to enjoy the seasonal spirit. “The mulled wine is a big highlight and last year I think we sold as much non-alcoholic as alcoholic mulled wine,” he said.

“People just enjoy the vibe.”