With the grape harvest in the Hunter Valley shaping up to be the best one yet, it is time to celebrate.
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McLeish Estate Wines is marking the season with a Vintage festival on March 18.
There will be live music, barrel rolling, a gourmet picnic lunch by Chef Brian Duncan of Hunters Quarter and oyster shucking sessions.
Festival-goers will also get a chance to squelch around in a barrel of grapes, while stomping the fruit and help with the winemaking process.
“The emphasis of this festival is to bring people to the Hunter Valley to celebrate Vintage 2017,” McLeish Estate Wines’ Jessica McLeish said.
“We want people to have the chance to discover the joys of winemaking and the Hunter Valley way of life.”
Vintage in the Hunter Valley wine region is progressing really well, and there is great optimism about the overall quality for 2017. Miss McLeish said with the picking of semillon grapes completed on the February 6, and Shiraz nearing harvest things are looking good.
“The main focus now at our winery is on shiraz and we are working hard to bring the majority of the Shiraz into the winery in the next week,” she said.
“The Shiraz flavours have been building as they ripen – coupled with still functional leaves and canopy management, are contributing to some lovely varietal fruit character.”
Drier conditions and high grape numbers means the harvest this year is shaping up to be the best one yet.
To celebrate the great season and attend the Vintage Festival grab a ticket online at mcleishestatewines.com.au. Tickets are $10 for adults and children under the age of 13 years are free.