Heathcote Wine & Food Festival

Overview

Too many wines, not enough time. That's why food and wine festivals exist — they take the legwork out of it to bring us the best of the best to sample. On the first weekend in October, more than 40 of the highest-achieving wineries in Heathcote, a wine region 30 minutes' drive southwest of Bendigo, will gather at the Heathcote Showground for a vino-palooza of mammoth proportions.

This iconic event has been attracting serious winos for more than 15 years — around 4000-plus people from across Victoria and interstate attend annually, so you'll be rubbing shoulders with hardcore sippers, swirlers and some newbies. Gear up to try a bunch of new releases as well as the area's signature drops. The Heathcote wine region has long had a reputation for killer shiraz, but more recently, an array of more unusual Mediterranean varietals have joined the lineup. From Italian nebbiolo to Spanish tempranillo, you'll get to sample them all.

Should you and your palate need a break from all that quaffable wine, visit one of the food stalls slinging the best local produce and artisanal goods — Salami Shack, Frying Calamari Brothers and The Farce Charcuterie are just a few of the well-regarded vendors in attendance.

If you're travelling from Melbourne or Bendigo, leave the car at home — jump aboard one of the festival-bound buses and enjoy yourself without worrying about the drive back.