CELEBRATING ALL THINGS GRAPE!

     1st – 2nd November 2008

 

Held at various locations on the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Moorabool Valley

   Do you want someone else to drive you around the wineries?
        Two local operators will offer wine tours for $55* each
      Central Geelong pick and return and bookings are essential.
                    Email Gallivantours for more information

                      *price excludes $10 wine tasting fee.

Beyond Geelong’s spectacular waterfront and the breathtaking scenery of the Great Ocean Road, travelers often visit the region to immerse themselves in all things GRAPE.
 
This November escape the Spring Racing Carnival frenzy and discover Geelong’s award winning wine at Toast to the Coast. Indulge in wine and food at Toast to the Coast, 1st & 2nd November 2008 as 18 venues open their cellar doors over the “Melbourne Cup long weekend”. This celebration of Geelong’s cool climate wines is spread across the three diverse wine regions of Geelong – Surf Coast, Moorabool Valley and The Bellarine. The regions hold hidden treasures and unexpected surprises, not to mention great wine and food.
 
For the visitor looking to go beyond a typical tasting room experience, Toast to the Coast, Geelong Wine & Food Festival offer the chance to go from wine enthusiast to connoisseur, all in one visit weekend. The event offers something for everyone – and that includes beer connoisseurs with hand crafted microbrewery beers becoming a natural extension to the wine tasting experience.

Each Toast to the Coast venue has its own personality. Some have a reputation as "the place for lunch". Others are the ideal for relaxing on the lawns or to meet up with friends and family. There is plenty of good local produce on offer and some the best spots to settle down with a world class wine and enjoy the view.

The beauty of Toast to the Coast is that the event spread between sites so nowhere seems particularly crowded.  Mobile phones are essential equipment as friends arrange to meet or share wine and food recommendations. Inevitably you bump into people you know.
 
Visitors can purchase a souvenir glass/ticket for $10, which offers you the opportunity to sample over 100 of the regions finest wines. And there is no need to rush. You have two days to explore Geelong’s award winning wines.  Plus by purchasing a ticket you go into the draw to win a 5-night stay at the luxurious Iririki Island Resort & Spa, Vanuatu. Pre purchase your ticket and you’ll double your chance to win this great prize.
 
Toast to the Coast is proud to support the Barwon Health Foundation’s Geelong Hospital Appeal Festival goers can show their support by digging deep and making a donation to raise funds for equipment for the new Emergency Department at the Geelong Hospital. Currently, the new Emergency Department at the Geelong Hospital is the fundraising priority for the Geelong Hospital Appeal with $3.6 million required to bring the new facility to life. Donations are used by the Foundation to equip the facility to ensure the very best treatment for incoming patients.
 
Donation tins will be placed at each of the Toast to the Coast venues and the “Appeal” lapel badges will also be available for sale.