The 7th annual Hunter Valley Wine Festival held last weekend produced record attendance, record exhibitors and a record charity donation.
There was sunshine for the annual festival and an encouraging grape harvest across the Hunter Valley was celebrated with 74 exhibitors showcasing their local Hunter Valley wines and produce, attracting a crowd of over 4000 for the Saturday event, including a large percentage of intra-state visitors who stayed overnight in Hunter Valley accommodation.
Held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, the Festival included wine and cheese matching, beer and cider tastings, entertainment by Jarrod Sherman and David D’Souza, a wide selection of local foods and extensive activities for families.
The record crowds contributed to a $2400 donation to the Pokolbin Rural Fire Service.
Festival organiser, Jenny Farrell of the Schwartz Family Company, said that the Festival’s success highlighted the quality and increasing diversity of Hunter Valley wines.
“There was a tremendous reaction to both the established and new wineries,” said Ms Farrell. “There were many who just wanted to taste the traditional Hunter Valley favourites such as Shiraz and Semillon, but the organic and biodynamic wineries also attracted strong crowds, and those experimenting with new grape varieties saw considerable interest.
“Importantly for the region, the Festival attracted a large number of out-of-region visitors, with many hundreds staying overnight in Hunter Valley accommodation. The Crowne Plaza was full for the weekend.
“One of the reasons for the success of the Festival since it was revived is the friendly and convivial atmosphere. We are proudly a family-friendly event and there was as many activities for children as there were for adults. This kept everyone happy and satisfied.
“It was tremendous once again to see funds from the Festival go the richly-deserving Rural Fire Service.”
The Hunter Valley Wine Festival will be held on Saturday 27 June in 2020.
Hunter Valley Wine Festival: http://www.
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