VINEYARDS across the Loddon are wrapping up vintage and preparing to showcase local wines at a major regional festival.
Black Wallaby Wines’ Dave Lawson said his yield had been above average and grapes were now being prepared for pressing and bottling.
“We’ve only one batch of fruit left to press,” he said.
“The white wine varieties and our rose will be bottled and released towards the end of the year and the reds bottled a year or two down the track ... giving them time to age. It’s a long game for the reds.”
The Bridgewater winery will join neighbour Water Wheel along with Turner’s Crossing and Newbridge Wines at the Bendigo winemakers’ festival in Rosalind Park, Bendigo, on April 13.
“We will have a designated Loddon area within the festival complete with one of the local pop-up food stalls Little Sangria,” he said.
“Loddon Valley tourism is backing the Loddon wineries at this big regional event to promote the region’s wines and hopefully attract more tourists to the area.”
Dave is a member of Bendigo Winegrowers’ Association committee organising the festival.
“With over 100 wines to explore, delicious food, engaging entertainment, and live music, it’s a day to discover and enjoy the best of our region’s diverse wine styles,” he said.
Dave said Black Wallaby would be bottling more wine under its own labels this year to meet demand.