Crowds to pour in

By Ed Merrison
WINE enthusiasts, foodies and music lovers are in for shed loads of fun.
The wineries of the Warburton Highway will be alive with the joy of Shedfest on Sunday, 8 October.
Visitors will, of course, have a chance to sample some of the region’s finest wines but the event has a lot more to quench a thirst for a good time.
It will give visitors a chance to tap their toes or take to the dance floor with the live music on offer, or indulge in a leisurely game of croquet or petanque.
There will also be some great grub to sink their teeth into, from perfectly barbecued local products to sensational cheeses and luscious desserts.
Fourteen wineries are taking part in this year’s Shedfest – Ainsworth Estate, Bulong Estate, Burgi Hill Vineyard, Elmswood Estate, Five Oaks Vineyard, Killara Park Estate, Lillydale Estate, Morgan Vineyards, Seville Estate, Seville Hill, Shelmerdine, Whispering Hills, Wild Cattle Creek and Yarra Burn Winery.
Ally Morgan of Morgan Vineyards hopes to welcome a big crowd with a healthy appetite.
“We are having fabulous food – marinated free-range barbecued chicken burgers with avocado, crispy bacon rocket and aioli on sourdough for $12, plus cheese platters and wine by the glass or by the bottle.
“And we’ve got live music all day by the cruising cool ‘C’est La Vie’ trio,” she said.
All the wineries have sheds, which are usually home to such vital equipment as tractors, presses, crushers, barrels and other interesting bits and pieces essential for producing fine wines.
Shedfest is a day to open up and dust off these museums of viticulture in order to accommodate fabulous food and wine, live music and games.
So to get festive with the best the Yarra Valley has to offer, follow the corrugated iron signs.
Shedfest runs from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, 8 October. People tempted to pop the cork on a good time can find out more at www.shedfest.com.au.