Events & Festivals

Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Easter Sunday, 31 March 2013

The annual Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival is on Easter Sunday every year.  Meet the winemakers of the region, sample the best Bendigo wines and enjoy live music in a tranquil garden setting of the stunning Botanical Gardens in Castlemaine.

This event has become a favourite for wine enthusiasts.  With more than 20 wineries represented, in many cases by the winemakers themselves, this is a great chance to hear about the latest vintage firsthand.

WINE 

From fully-flavoured, rich ripe reds to elegant whites, the wines from Bendigo’s gold-bearing soils are a wine lover’s treasure.  The climate and soil of Central Victoria, with its deep soils and long hours of summer sunshine, are ideal for growing Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon for which the region is known.  Other local varieties include Merlot, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sparkling.

MUSIC

Live music adds to the festive atmosphere of this quality event. 

See Taylor Sheridan and his band. He’s a talented singer and songwriter from Kyneton with a soulful and passionate voice. His music brings together elements of funk and rock, with a unique modern sound and lyrics you can’t get out of your head.

Also performing will be the Blues Mountain Trio, a three piece blues and soul outfit with Jesse Valach (Guitar/Vocals), Torren Dove (Bass) and Peter Hodges (Drums).  They play a great selection of covers and fiery guitar with soulful/reggae/funk infused originals.

There’ll be facepainting, an Easter Egg Hunt and kid’s performer Tim Tim will bring fun and entertainment for the whole family. 

FOOD

Locally-produced foods will be available at a wide variety of stalls throughout the day.

FREE BUS 

Free buses will operate between Bendigo and Castlemaine. The buses leave from the Girton Grammar School Gymnasium in Vine Street, Bendigo commencing at 10am and then every half hour or when full, through until around 12.30pm.  They will also pick up from the Golden Square Post Office and Hungry Jacks at Kangaroo Flat.  They will be returning to Bendigo from 3.30pm until 5.30pm, again every half an hour.

FREE DELIVERY

Free home delivery courtesy of Fastway Couriers will be available for wine purchases of more than ½ dozen bottles.   

Organisers wish to thank sponsors Strategem Financial Group, City of Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, Premium Estate Bottlers, Fastway Couriers, Eaglehawk Hire and 3BO Radio.

Strategem Financial Group are Accountants, Financial Planners and Self Managed Superannuation Specialists with offices in Bendigo and Melbourne. Strategem proudly supports Bendigo Winegrowers Association.

PRICES

The Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival starts at 11am and continues through to 5pm.  Tickets are available on the day, with Adult tickets costing $30.  Children under 18 are free and no BYO alcohol.  

Bring a picnic rug and relax in this remarkable, historic garden setting in the heart of Victoria! 

For a free Accommodation Booking Service call Bendigo 1800 813 153 or Castlemaine 1800 171 888.

For further information phone 1300 656 650 or email info@bendigowine.org.au

Castlemaine Botanical Gardens