You can’t keep a good Gippsland festival down… That was certainly the feedback from the many festival-goers who travelled from far and wide to attend the 13th annual Tinamba Food and Wine Festival on Sunday, April 16.
Despite the rain, the wet-weather plan was quickly put into action and festival patrons had a choice of seating under a 30-metre long marquee, and inside the Tinamba Hotel.
While attendance was down overall because of the weather, the atmosphere was buzzing with a community party vibe. With 690 tickets sold, those who came were determined to make the most of the day and support the local food vendors, producers and wineries celebrating their products.
Wine Gippsland President, Alistair Hicks, of Blue Gables Vineyard, said the strong turnout was testament to the support Tinamba Food and Wine Festival has built over the years.
Heyfield resident, Emma Hunt – who won the festival VIP prize – has been to every festival since it began.
“We are really pleased it went ahead – everyone’s having a lot of fun,” she said.
Seven local wineries attended, and one meadery: Blue Gables, Glenmaggie Wines, Lightfoot Wines, Nicholson River, Mt Moornapa, Narkoojee Wines and Wyanga Park, and the Bearded Bee Meadery.
Hatted restaurant Tinamba Hotel was serving up venison ragu, Maffra Cheese cob loaf and other treats, Tinamba CFA ran the popular gourmet sausage sizzle and cake stall and there were other producers including Windsong Farm Providore, Tarago Olives, What The Fudge, and food from The Bean Pedlar, Gourmet Fuel, Little Red Bucket Gnocchi and Rosedale Pad Thai.
The only major change to the festival was that the planned big band stage was cancelled for safety reasons, but there was live acoustic music in the hotel.
Proceeds from ticket sales go to local community groups and service organisations who assist with the setup and running of the festival.
