The Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival gave locals and visitors to Bendigo plenty to enjoy on Saturday 7 May. The day started with warm Autumn sunshine and stayed that way for the whole day. Having moved from Castlemaine Botanical Gardens after 10 years the central location of Rosalind Park in Bendigo proved the ideal setting for a relaxed and festive crowd.

The region's new releases and award-winning wines were on show for patrons to enjoy said Bendigo Winegrowers Association President Wes Vine.

"More than 60 wines from 17 wineries showed the great diversity of the Bendigo wine region.

"Patrons were able to meet local winemakers and hear about the latest vintage first-hand," he said.

More than 1,500 people pulled up a deck chair, laid out a picnic rug and took in the afternoon sunshine at the wine and food event.

"It was a fantastic day, the weather was beautiful.

"The wines offered today were certainly crowd pleasers.

"Thank you to Strategem for coming on board again as the event's major sponsor" said Wes.

Contagious jazz, jump, blues and swing music rippled through the crowd and a range of food stalls offered tasty food plates.

Great wine and food in the historic setting of Rosalind Park in the heart of Bendigo - what more could you want.