The Toast to the Coast weekend preparations are in full swing, with plenty of entertainment and activities for festival goers to enjoy as they indulge on award-winning wines, fresh local produce and stunning scenery across the Surf Coast, Bellarine Peninsula and Moorabool Valley regions on November 4 and 5.
This year there are many offers available for both drinkers and designated drivers, as well as the addition of Port Phillip Ferries helping Melburnians cross the bay in style, with Baie Wines delivering tastings on board the vessel for travellers attending the iconic weekend.
Across the Bellarine Peninsula guests will find Leura Park Estate, a hub for a variety of local wines across the region, including Yes Said the Seal and Finesse Wines. Leura Park will also be teaming up with Flying Brick Cider Co, while their own multi-award-winning wines will be on tasting, including new release premiums and vintages, plus frozen Moscato Mojito and Cosmopolitan!
The brilliant cover band Test Pilot Molly will play from 12pm – 5pm on both days, a fan favourite among Leura Park regulars. Designated drivers don’t have to miss out on the fun either with a complimentary tea, coffee or soft drink which can be enjoyed with delectable edibles, including salt and pepper calamari, Bellarine beef burgers, stunning cheese platters, and more, available all day, every day!
Further along, located on the Surf Coast, guests will find the stunning Mt Duneed Estate, a scenic site for wine lovers providing some of the best varietals the Surf Coast has to offer. The wine-making team at Mt Duneed Estate source grapes from some of Victoria’s key wine-making growing regions, producing Blanc De Blanc, Moscato, Rose, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Cab Sauvignon and more!
Mt Duneed Estate are renowned for their share platters and have a locally sourced menu, with meals all made in-house. Delicious southern fried chicken or pizza can be enjoyed to live music, or for guests moving about locations quickly, Mt Duneed Estate also have a special take-away option.
If summer games on the lawn with a frose in hand while listening to acoustic music is more your style, then Austins & Co is the place to be during Toast to the Coast. Located in the Moorabool Valley region, Austins & Co is a blend of cool climate elegance with a warm family atmosphere.
Tempt the taste buds with oysters, gourmet burgers from the Burger Bar and desserts to satisfy any sweet tooth, or enjoy the live music by the prosecco bar while watching a giant game of Jenga or chess, in the company of friends and family.
Managing Director of Austins Wines, Scott Austin, described this year’s Toast to the Coast as being bigger and better than ever in its 16th year.
“All the wineries are wanting to provide a great experience for customers. There’s great entertainment on offer and a broad level of participation across the three sub-regions of Geelong,” Scott says.
“There’s something for everyone at Toast to the Coast. Families can come together, we’ve got kids entertainment and a great spread of produce and great local wine.”
Other entertainment across the weekend includes a winery tour at Wayawu Estate, live music featuring local musicians in acoustic, folk, funk, pop and jazz at almost every location, visit the flock of ‘Babydoll’ sheep, guarded by two Maremma sheepdogs at Ponda Estate or stroll the gardens at Oakdene Vineyards.
There are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, allowing guests to leave the car at home and buy a Toast to the Coast Shuttle Bus day pass to enjoy the weekend without the stress of transport. Buses will depart from Geelong Railway Station on both days and shuttle festival goers around any winery along the four circuit loops. Guests may return to Geelong Station at any time to join another circuit loop. Tickets are only $30 for a day pass, or $50 for two days.
There are a variety of ticket options available for Toast to the Coast this year but they’re selling fast! Weekend passes include a commemorative take-home Toast to the Coast glass and entry wristband, which doubles as a passport to free wine tastings at all participating vineyards. There will be no on the day tickets available.
When & Where: Various Wineries, Geelong Region – November 4 & 5
For more information or to purchase tickets visit, www.winegeelong.com.au/toast-to-the-coast.
