Is there any better way to spend a weekend than getting away from it all to enjoy live music, fabulous wine and great company with your favourite people? The answer there is a resounding “no”, which is exactly why Vibes and Vino festival exists.
Set in Heathcote, which is fast becoming one of Australia’s most loved wine regions, the Vibes and Vino Festival returns at the end of this month. Known for its shiraz grape, the best of Heathcote’s vineyards will have their fermented grape juice flowing while a line-up of five independent and diverse Australian artists will provide the soundtrack to a fabulous day out.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
On Saturday 29 October, Vibes and Vino kicks off at 1pm with the first chords being struck at 2pm, with opening acts Chris Cavill, Bella Deer, Gabriella Cohen, Benny Walker and then headliners Emma Donovan & The Putbacks who will begin performing at 7pm.
It’s all happening at Barrack Reserve Oval, so guests are encouraged to bring a picnic rug to really settle in and enjoy the al fresco vibes. For the vino side of things, there’ll be local winery Sanguine Estate, off-grid winery Silver Spoon Estate, and Shiraz Republic in attendance.
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There’ll also be Humis Vineyard, Domaine Asmara, Wren Estate, Munari Wines and Three Dams Estate, who although best known for their award-winning Shiraz also have started making cider as well. Strictly speaking, it’s not all vino, in case that’s not your poison. For a more spirited drop, Heathcote Gin will be in attendance, as will Envy Distilling and for craft beer, Cornella Brewery have you covered.
To sample them all, Vibes and Vino provide each adult ticket with their own glass. Taking a sustainable approach, its a premium 600ml PLUMM polycarbonate glass to take around during the festival, and even take it home as a souvenir. If for some reason one goes astray, additional glasses can also be bought at the event.
While the vino is what has put Heathcote on the map – if we ignore the rich gold rush history of the region, the associated architecture and picturesque landscapes that beckon – the day is intended for families to enjoy, with face painting and lawn games to entertain the kids while adults talk grape varieties and vintages.
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Of course, no music and wine festival is complete without an array of local foodies offering the best of their bites as well. Located in the heart of Central Victoria, Heathcote is only a 90 minute drive from Melbourne (or VLine coaches run from Southern Cross), Heathcote so it makes for an ideal day trip.
However if you’re wanting to make a weekend of it, there’s plenty of boutique accommodation within the area to host you, although you are best advised to book early so as not to miss out.
If you do opt to stay, you’ll also be rewarded with more live music the following day. On Sunday 30 October, renowned Australian singer-songwriter, musician and producer Ross Wilson will be bringing his innovative green and sustainable ‘Cool World’ Tour to Heathcote’s Sanguine Estate for an exclusive performance.
Known for his classics Eagle Rock, Come Said the Boy, Chemistry, Come Back Again and Cool World to name a few, the ‘Cool World’ tour show will kick off at midday and will consist of three popular Australian bands – The Badloves, King Canyon featuring Jimmy Cupples and then Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks close the show.
So grab your favourite people and head to Heathcote, to enjoy a perfect getaway weekend of music, wine and food.
Tickets for Vibes and Vino Festival are $54 each for adults and $15 for children under 16 years old, family tickets are also available. Tickets for ‘Cool World’ Tour are $85 per person. Grab them by heading here.
