By Monique Ebrington
YARRA Valley’s boutique wineries were on display last weekend with visitors flocking to the Valley for the rescheduled event.
The annual Grape Grazing Festival was originally scheduled for the weekend of the 14 and 15 February, but was postponed in the wake of the Black Saturday fires.
Yarra Valley Wine Growers’ Association general manager Richard Howden said that although numbers were down, from the average 18,000 visitors, it made for a more personal experience.
“I think it went real well. I went around to a number of wineries and although numbers were down the crowds were just having such wonderful time and the weather was sensation,” Mr Howden said.
“People had room to walk around. They could talk to winery operators and owners which made it more of a personal experience and not just a big event.”
Now in its 22nd year the showcase of fine wine, food and entertainment the Yarra Valley continues to bring curious visitors and locals to the Grape Grazing Festival.
Healesville residents Marjie and Graeme Endacott are regular to the Grape Grazing Festival and spent their Saturday at Five Oaks Winery in Seville.
“When we go away we often visit wineries but we don’t often do it in our own region
We just love the atmosphere of the Yarra Valley.” Graeme Endacott said
More than 20 wineries were placed under the title of either, graze, taste or indulge and visitors were encouraged to do just that at each respective winery at their own leisure.
For the first time a shuttle bus service operated at frequent intervals to pick up and drop-off at graze-level wineries.
Special events including grand dinners, jazz evenings, themed events and the chance to experience the best in regional fare were enjoyed across the weekend.
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