In a small pocket of eastern New South Wales, once known for its gold-mining, the town of Mudgee has established itself as one of Australia's foremost wine producers. With forty wineries in operation in the Mudgee region, it is unsurprising that a pilgrimage to Mudgee has become an imperative for an avid wine-taster.
However, this month, Sydney-siders can enjoy the delights of Mudgee's food and wine produce without leaving the city gates.
On Sunday 8 August,
Balmoral Beach will host the Mudgee Wine and Food Fair. Between 10am and 5pm, visitors will be able to enjoy music, sample olive oils, cheese, wine jellies and honey, as well as a variety of international lunch options. The festival will encompass not only the grassy areas surrounding Balmoral Beach, but will also encompass the Esplanade and the Reserve. With tents at various locations, the organisers have provided a
free shuttle bus service, picking up along
Awaba Street, the
Esplanade,
Raglan Street,
Military Road, and
Spit Road.
Of course, for many visitors, the central attraction of the days festivities will be the wine. Although Mudgee is the
Australian birthplace of Chardonnay, it is the distinctive red wines of Mudgee that attract many visitors to the region. Nonetheless, the full range of whites and reds will be available at the Festival. In order to sample the wine, it is necessary to purchase a certain number of tasting tickets. A souvenir glass and five tickets will set you back $15, while two souvenir glasses and twenty tickets to share, possibly between a couple, cost $50.
For producers, the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival is a significant opportunity to promote their wares to potential customers. But,
organisers are quick to point out that visitors will be presented with the opportunity not only to taste new wines from the region, but also talk to winemakers without leaving Sydney.
