Heathcote Wine Festival – A 2014 Must Visit Event

Got anything exciting planned this October? Then we strongly recommend making reservations for Saturday, October 04th and Sunday, October 05th, 2014. Get some friends to join you and make your way down to the 13th annual Heathcote Wine and Food Festival. Becoming more and more popular every time, last year’s Heathcote Wine Festival already attracted over 4,000 visitors from Melbourne and regional Victoria and the numbers keep growing. The fact that visiting ‘Shiraz Heaven” has turned into an annual pilgrimage for many attendees speaks for itself, and as the wine quality improves year by year, so does the festival …

With over 200 regional wines on offer in one location, the Heathcote Wine Festival is an event not to be missed. Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet over 50 passionate and talented wine makers who produce some of the most amazing wines from grapes growing on some of the world’s richest and ancient soils. They gather here at the Festival each year to offer you some of Australia’s most distinctive wines, and they are more than happy to answer your questions, share their wine and knowledge, and have a bit of fun along the way.

Enjoy the celebratory atmosphere at the Heathcote show grounds and look forward to tasting the best of the best the region has to offer: The Heathcote signature variety Shiraz, but also some great Sangioveses, Cabernet Sauvignons, Viogniers, Tempranillos and Marsannes. Embrace your favorites, discover promising new wines, and savour the taste of the award-winners. Alongside the wines there is delicious regional food and produce on offer, including nuts, cheese, olive oils and olive products, puddings, gourmet biscuits, prime beef, preserves, spices and much more. Indulge and enjoy! There are products from around 30 producers and vendors to choose from.

Get yourself a glass of wine, sit in the grass, relax, watch the cheerful goings-on and enjoy the live music. Don’t worry about the kids. They are in good hands and can once again look forward to a few nice surprises. Last year, the Heathcote Wine Festival entertained them with magic and juggling, giant soap bubbles, fire eating and comedy balloons, and judging from the feedback, they had a ball.

But the wine festival would not be complete without the opportunity to participate in one of the popular Wine Tasting Master Classes, Tasting Seminars and maybe one or another cooking demonstration over the weekend. Don’t miss out on these fabulous activities and make sure to book in advance, as space is limited and tickets are usually in strong demand.

There is convenient parking within the grounds, or if you prefer to leave your car at home, you can catch the Festival bus which leaves from Melbourne at Southern Cross Station (approx. $35 per person return) and Bendigo Train Station and Bendigo Visitor Centre (approx. $26 per person return). And while you’re there, grab the opportunity to take a short visit into Heathcote Township. The Festival Shuttle runs approx. every 20 minutes.


The Heathcote Wine Festival is located at Chauncey Street and the Heathcote Showgrounds, and opens from 10.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on both days.

Blog Source:-  http://wineriesheathcote.wordpress.com/2014/06/03/heathcote-wine-festival-a-2014-must-visit-event/

2014 Saint Martin Heathcote Wine Show – A celebration of outstanding wines and talented winemakers

Last August, the inaugural Heathcote Wine Show took place and an overwhelming 290 submissions from 45 wineries presented the best of what the Heathcote wine region had to offer. Highly respected chairman of judges, Brian Walsh, remarked that the range of high quality wines that entered blew him away. Not a surprise then that this year’s second annual Heathcote wine show is eagerly anticipated. 

Beautifully crafted and measuring 100cm x 30cm, the Heathcote Grand Terroir award is an impressive sight - and rightfully so, as it is the symbol of a special accolade. This trophy is bestowed upon the Heathcote winemaker who is able to showcase the highest quality and style consistency across three shiraz wines spanning a minimum of four vintages for one singular wine label.

Last year’s Grand Terroir trophy winner:  From left:   Brian Walsh (Chief Judge); Jodi Marsh, Mark Hunter, Tony Hunter (Sanguine Estate Wines)

   The 2014 Saint Martin Heathcote Wine Show, as it is officially called, will take place from July 31 to August 02, 2014.  Less than 4 weeks away from the event, excitement is already in the air and expectations are high. Tonnellerie Saint Martin has been announced as the show’s naming rights sponsor for the next three years, and the Wine Show Committee has once again secured the presence of 7 of the very best wine judges in the country. Brian Walsh will again take the role of Chief Judge (formerly chairman of the Royal Adelaide Wine Show) will preside over a special panel of pre-eminent wine experts.

The show’s mission, to enable Heathcote winemakers to benchmark their products and to highlight Heathcote’s reputation and profile as one of Victoria’s high quality wine regions, has not changed.  Shiraz remains Heathcote's flagship wine, but the region with its famous rich Cambrian soil also produces a superb Cabernet Sauvignon, and outstanding examples of Viognier, Riesling, Tempranillo, Petit Verdot and Merlot.

With the help of the Heathcote Wine Show, the quality, diversity and longevity of Heathcote wines will be showcased and therefore only wines that are at least 85% Heathcote origin grapes are eligible.

Registration terms and entry requirements remain the same, but based on last year’s exhibitors’ feedback, a few minor adjustments will be made to the class structure. Mediterranean reds, Cabernet families and other reds in their own group classing will be specifically examined in 2014.

Winemakers have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and to share their experiences at the Heathcote Wine Show – ultimate goal is to continuously improve quality - and of course it is an event to celebrate the success of their hard work.  As Heathcote Wine Show Committee Chairman Graeme Quigley stated during last year’s celebrations: “The thinking behind the show is the exciting opportunity it gives us to look at how Heathcote wines travel through time, how they age, the quality and consistency of style coming from individuals and the region”.

Judging will take place on Thursday 31 July and Friday August 01, 2014 followed by celebrations that will culminate in a sumptuous 4-course dinner menu showcasing local produce and award winning show wines. The Award Dinner takes place on Saturday, August 02 in RSL Hall on High Street. Preceding it is an exhibitors tasting at 4.00 p.m. followed by a public tasting from 5 to 6.00p.m.

If it’s anything like last year, this’ll be a 2014 highlight to truly look forward to. So, join the judges and winemakers at 2014 Saint Martin Heathcote Wine Show and celebrate the great care, talent and finesse that goes into producing some of Australia’s best wines.    

If you can’t make it to the Wine Show dinner, then don’t forget the Heathcote Wine Hub offers tasting of over 24 Heathcote Wines, 7 days a week and a selection of 200 wines on sale.  The team is always happy to have a chat about any of the wineries and wines of the region and can be contacted on 03 5433 2204 or info@heathcotewinehub.com.au.

The Heathcote Wine Club – For Heathcote Wine Fans

Loyal fans and customers have long been waiting for this moment – The formation of a club that combines all things Heathcote Wines. With over 100 wineries spread out in the region, it’s not always easy for wine lovers, especially the ones who live in Melbourne, to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Heathcote and to get their hands on the special wines before they are gone. Part of the problem is that the success and quality of Heathcote wines is built on individual wine making on a smaller scale, which inevitably brings with it limited production. Small boutique wineries also mean irregular open cellar doors. That’s why for many years loyal Heathcote Wine lovers often had difficulties getting hold of the good stuff before it was gone.
 
A creative solution has now been put together. The newly founded Heathcote Wine Club works with all the wine makers in the region and is designed specifically to reward loyal Heathcote fans and provide them with all the privileges that come only with membership.  Some of the highlights include member only special tastings with Heathcote winemakers, invites to wine blending sessions, working winery tours, access to a member only Wine Hotline, and invites to member only educational classes including food matching and lots of other free stuff.

The Heathcote Wine Club is very different to most other clubs.  Supported and run by the Wine Hub, the club represents all the winemakers of the region. It’s mission? To provide a single point of access to all the great aspects of the Heathcote wine region. The Wine Hub specialists know most of Heathcote’s winemakers personally and will generously share with you valuable tips and insider information on Heathcote.

So what does membership include?

This club is much more than just being able to get your hands on great wine. The Heathcote Wine Club has really gone out of its way to come up with a program that is different, and includes a lot of innovative and fun educational experiences and events. There are 2 levels of membership: Discovery Members and Privilege Members, which are both free to join.

As the name suggests, the Discovery Plan is the introductory membership for people that love Heathcote wine, want to know more about it and would like easy access to information and some of the pre-release member only deals.

Discovery Membership entails:

- Member discounts on all wine purchases (10% for doz, 5% for ½ doz)
- VIP invite at the Heathcote Wine Club’s wine experience sessions in Heathcote and Melbourne, including themed tasting evenings with winemakers, new release tastings and educational tasting events

- VIP Invite to “Be a winemaker for a day” blending session
- Priority invite to wine maker dinners in Melbourne
- Access to the Heathcote Wine Club member’s only Wine Hotline, where all your wine related questions (cellaring, food matching, vintage info) will be answered
- Regular newsletter with the latest news of the region, including new wine releases, awards and other interesting highlights

In addition to the advantages of the Discovery Membership, as a Privilege Member you will also receive:
- a case of twelve notable wines delivered to your door, 4 times a year.  This wine is offered at a member only price of 15% below retail.  A panel of Heathcote winemakers and the Heathcote Wine Hub sommeliers carefully select the wines.  To make sure you receive your favourite gems, you also have the opportunity to change the selected wines prior to delivery, and there’s a 100% money back guarantee on the wines.

- In depth tasting notes on all wines selected by the tasting panel for inclusion in the wine packs.
- Member discounts on any purchases above the wine Plan (15% for doz, 10% for ½ doz)
- VIP invite and complimentary entrance to the Heathcote Wine Club’s wine experience sessions in Heathcote and Melbourne, including themed tasting evenings with winemakers, new release tastings and educational tasting events

- VIP Invite and complimentary to “Be a winemaker for a day” blending session
- Free copy of the book “The People Behind the Wines of Heathcote”
- Free working winery tours (during vintage) for you and friends

There are also a number of Privilege member only special offers that will evolve further over time. At present they include

o Member only discount of 30% off non-Heathcote wine on www.MyHomeCellar.com.au.
o Permission to BYO wine bought at the Heathcote Wine Hub to Heathcote’s No.1 restaurant – the Willow Room
o 10% discount on any purchases (wine produce, food accessories) made at the Heathcote Wine Hub.
- Discounts of 20% on any Plumm Chrystal Glassware and decanters
- Free copies of James Halliday’s Wine Companion Magazine included in wine plan deliveries
- Pre-release notification/allocation of limited release premium wines
- $25 gift voucher for in store product purchases.

From the enthusiasm and energy of the winemakers and staff at the Hub, I can sense that the club is going to continually evolve, driven by their understanding of the wines and people of the region and their passion to share it with others in a fun and educational way.  If you like Heathcote then you need to be part of the Heathcote Wine Club.

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Heathcote Wine Club Celebrates Heathcote Shiraz with a Series of Wine Tasting

Events Starting Friday 28th March 2014 at BokChoy Tang Restaurant in Melbourne 
 
The Heathcote Wine Club is delighted to announce it first official public Melbourne Wine Tasting event on Friday 28 March 2014. Location is Bokchoy Tang Restaurant at Federation Square in Melbourne. Selected Heathcote wines, with our acclaimed Heathcote Shiraz leading the way, are on taste from 5.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. Light food will also be available, or you can make reservations at the Bokchoy Tang Restaurant, which offers delicious contemporary Chinese Cuisine.

Instead of travelling to Heathcote to taste the new releases and find hidden gems, Heathcote Shiraz and the Heathcote Wine Club are coming to Melbourne. The event is open to the general public and is run by the Heathcote Wine Club, together with winemakers of the region.

So join us for a great opportunity and bring yourself up-to-date on all things Heathcote.  Meet and chat with boutique and renowned winemakers, taste the new releases and take advantage of special offers on the night.

Space is limited and early reservations are recommended.   Book online at www.heathcotewinehub.com.au, or call us on 03 5433 2204.

While you’re there, make sure you check out the benefits of being a Heathcote Wine Club member, get the inside word, early heads up an new releases, access to special offers, VIP invites to special events, behind the scenes winery tours and heaps more.

Contact Information

If you want to attend the wine tasting or learn more about the Heathcote Wine Club, please contact Steve at:

Heathcote Wine Hub – “where you can taste 24 great Heathcote Wines every day”
105 High St
Heathcote VIC, Australia
+61 3 5433 2204
steve@heathcotewinehub.com.au
www.heathcotewinehub.com.au