Plenty of entertainment and local produce will be a feature of this weekend's winter wine festival hosted by the Shoalhaven Coast wine region.
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After months of planning 10 wineries from Gerringong, Shoalhaven Heads, Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Bangalee, Milton-Ulladulla and Bawley Point are celebrating the fruits of their labour in liquid form with more than 8000 South Coast residents and thousands of visitors from Wollongong, Sydney and Canberra expected to visit their cellar doors.
The three-day festival program starts at 10 on Saturday and runs all long weekend for what is being billed as a three-day extravaganza of wine tasting, fine food and entertainment.
Among the annual drawcards is jazz band Hot Potato at Two Figs Winery, overlooking the Shoalhaven River between Shoalhaven Heads and Nowra.
But there is also plenty happening at Roselea Vineyards, Yarrawa Estate, Two Figs Winery, Coolangatta Estate, Silos Estate and Wileys Creek, Mountain Ridge Wines, Cambewarra Estate, Cupitt's Winery and Bawley Vale Estate.
Kiama singer songwriter Penny Hartgerink is at Gerringong's Roselea Vineyard, which has an oyster bar and chocolates to match its award-winning sparkling wine.
Festival-goers purchase a commemorative wine glass entitling them to wine tastings at each of the participating wineries, such as Bawley Vale Estate, which is planning rock'n'roll in the vines and a five-course wine appreciation extravaganza at Millards Cottage Restaurant. Local oysters are a feature on the menu at many wineries, such as The Silos Estate, which also has helicopter rides.
The region's most awarded winery, Coolangatta Estate, is always popular and like Cupitt's Winery also has a nice warm open fire place.
Their restaurants will also be popular well into the evening.
Shoalhaven Coast Wine Industry Association president Shayne Bricker said during the last 12 years the festival had become a major Queen's Birthday drawcard.
Degustation dinners and markets, art exhibitions and beer tasting are also features of this weekend's festival.
Destination NSW chief executive officer Sandra Chipchase said many visitors saw it as a perfect weekend getaway excuse.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the NSW Government supported the festival through the Regional Flagship Events Program because it contributed substantially to the local, regional and state economy.
In 2014, more than 4000 festival goers came from outside the region and generated an additional $1 million in spending for the region.
Stuart's Coaches offer a hop-on hop-off bus service that can be booked on 02 4421 0332.
More details at shoalhavencoastwine.com.au or on the festival Facebook page.