Last year, Heathcote became the official host of the Fringe Festival of the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival, and it proved a highly popular event with both visitors and locals alike.
Like we needed another reason to take the slow way home from the festival. Now visitors can again enjoy even more blues and roots, served up with great wine and food along the way with the showcase event Wine Down Sunday at one of five unique locations in Heathcote.
From wineries to olive groves and even restaurants, the top acts from the Blues and Roots Festival will travel to Heathcote to be part of open-air concerts on the Sunday afternoon, each offering a different experience of wine, food, fun and music, capping off your weekend in the most perfect way.
Here’s a quick run-down of what’s on offer so you can start planning your trip now.
The Shiraz Republic
A band rocking away on the bed of an old truck, a craft beer in your hand (brewed less than 50 meters way), it is the only way to have a rocking good time. Shiraz Republic will light up for some good old times with music from Andy Garlick, Mast Gully Fellers and Nation Wild.
Merindoc Cellar Door & Bistro
The Merindoc Cellar Door is located in a beautiful garden setting alongside their vineyard and surrounded by granite boulders. Kick back and listen to great music while enjoying a selection of grazing food from their share plates menu and of course their range of wines (available by the glass and bottle). There’s also have a selection of local beers and ciders on hand for those that fancy that option. Here you’ll swoon to the sounds of Ben J Carter and Wayne Jury.
Munari Wines
Roll out your picnic blanket and relax on the sprawling lawn while you take in the festive atmosphere surrounded by the estate grown vines. Enjoy burgers and hot food from Soul M8’s vintage food truck and choose wines by the glass or bottle from their full wine list. You couldn’t find a more perfect destination if you tried. Oh and you’ll be first to taste their new vintage Rosé and Prosecco. Tunes from Bill Barber & Band and Harry Coulson’s Blue Dogs.
Bridgeward Grove
A picnic in the grove, amongst the olive trees, some fine music playing and a glass of local wine in your hand – that’s the way to wine down on a Sunday. Bridgeward Grove Olives will host a quiet Sunday afternoon with local produce available for lunch. Purchase a local wine as you enjoy select live music from Sarah Wilkinson and Maja.
Heathcote Winery
Dan Duggan, Rhyley McGrath and Doggn it Blues from the Blues and Roots festival will travel out to Heathcote and keep the weekend going in style here. In High Street, the Heathcote Winery will open it’s courtyard for the afternoon. Food vans on site plus wine and beer; what better way to Wine Down after the festival.
The Wine Down Sunday festival is on 11 November from 12.30pm. Ticket can be purchased online via www.heathcote.org.au/wine-down-sunday-2018 for $12 or purchased at the gate for $15. Children under 16 free. Get in quick to secure your place for wine, food, fun and music.