HEATHCOTE will become a hub of winemakers, chefs, brewers and musicians this weekend when it hosts Heathcote on Show.
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The festival will showcase the region's finest produce as well as offer people gourmet food, exclusive tastings and releases as well as entertainment with community activities and quality music.
The festival will stretch from Redesdale to Toolleen with more than 30 wineries, breweries and restaurants hosting events.
Many of the events promise to be unique such as the film and shiraz night at the Mona Lisa Gallery, the pop-up restaurant at Barfold Hall and The Willow Room’s pop-up wine bar.
Mona Lisa Gallery’s film night on Saturday sees the Dhaba Food Van provide curry and rice along with a glass of wine or beer to enjoy with the film. Tickets cost $35, phone 0417 598 460.
The concept of pop-up restaurants and bars is always popular.
Barfold Hall promises a fun, innovative and unusual dinner with proceeds going to the Langley/Barfold CFA. Dinners are hosted on Saturday and Sunday nights. Two courses cost $45, for bookings email sandra@barfoldestate or phone 5423 4225.
For wine connoisseurs, The Willow Room will be the place to be.
Heathcote's already strong reputation for wine sees eight Heathcote winemakers setting up a cellar door right outside The Willow Room restaurant.
Owner of The Willow Room, Jody Loam, said the experience would give wine-tasters the chance to chat with winemakers.
“The guys are all great supporters of the restaurant and none of them have their own cellar doors that are regularly open,” she said.
“It’s an opportunity for them to showcase their wine and hopefully bring a few people our way.”
Saturday’s line-up features Adam Foster of Foster e Rocco and Syrahmi, Mario Marson of Vinea Marson, Ian Rathjen of Whistling Eagle and Simon Osicka of Paul Osicka Wines.
Sunday sees Jane Leckie of She-Oak Hill, Emily McNally of Occam’s Razor and Lo Stesso, Liam Anderson of Wild Duck Creek and Simon Osicka, who returns with his viticulturist partner Ali Phillips.
The winemakers will be available from noon to 5pm each day of the festival with a menu also available to sample alongside some of the region's most impressive wines.
“A lot of the wines are available to buy by the glass or bottle and some of them like Wild Duck Creek and Whistling Eagle are very expensive and aren’t often available,” Mrs Loam said.
“It’s the first time we have organised this and it came from talking with these winemakers who are coming on the weekend.”
The Willow Room’s pop-up cellar door is open from noon to 5pm each day with a two-course lunch ($50) and three course dinner also available ($65).
The restaurant will also be showcasing produce from as Tooborac’s McIvor Farm Foods and Glenora Heritage Produce or Heathcote’s Dharma Gardens. Mrs Loam said it was a shame she and her husband would be working all weekend.
“Heathcote on Show is a unique opportunity to get out and explore all our region has to offer,” she said.
“The program is so full and diverse this year, there are so many cellar doors open this weekend that we’d love to visit.”
More than 30 wineries, restaurants and food producers will participate in the festival.
Community groups will also host events that include tours, music recitals and exhibitions.
For the full program or to book at an event visit the website www.heathcoteonshow.com.au