On Saturday 26th March 2011 the Mudgee Region is offering a 'sensory feast' with the inaugural 'Region on the River 100 Mile Picnic' during the day, followed by the 'Mudfest International Short Film Festival' at dusk.
"It will be a tasty date for food and culture lovers to visit Mudgee for the day or a weekend - attend the events and spend an extra day or two exploring the 50 cellar doors, cafes, restaurants and farm-gates spotted around the Region." said Lucy White.
"Autumn is a picturesque time to visit and the Region has lots of exciting developments and new wines for visitors to try. Restaurants are devising '100 mile' menus and platters, new organic wineries are popping up, and we are leading the way in biodynamics and more sustainable farming practices." said Lucy.
The Region on the River 100 Mile Picnic will be held in Lawson Park, on the banks of the Cudgegong River. Over 30 wineries, chefs and producers from the Central West will sell their delectable picnic goodies and share their approach to sourcing and eating sustainably from within 100 miles (160km) of the dining table.
Free for all the family from 12-7pm, it is expected to attract 3,000 people with entertainment for children including sheep sheering, bands and street theatre.
"This eco-friendly picnic will be a celebration of the Mudgee Region's commitment to eating locally for global change and aims to educate consumers on how they can alter their buying habits and diet," said Lucy White, CEO of Mudgee Region Tourism Inc.
A picnic wish-list of attendees includes Gooree Park wagyu beef, cheeses from High Valley, Fish River Roasters coffee, platters from A Slice of Orange, Rebecca Sutton's Molong Gelato, Wellington Lamb and beer from the Mudgee Brewery. Wineries include Lowe Family Wines, Robert Oatley Vineyards, Robert Stein, Frog Rock, Logan, DeBeaurepaire, Vinifera, Burnbrae, Thistle Hill, Swinging Bridge (Canowindra) and Stone Pine Distillery (Bathurst).
Time and location: 12-7pm; Address: Lawson Park, Short Street, Mudgee
Contact: Event organiser Ray Whitfield on ph: (02) 6373 3176 or 0414 748 748
The 7th Mudfest International Short Film Festival is the Mudgee Region's biggest cultural event of the year and has a new home this year at Bunnamagoo Estate Wines. Set on the lawns outside the new cellar door and winery, enjoy live music and watch 14 short films with hundreds of local film buffs. The vineyard is a magical atmosphere at night, and this year's contest will be hotter than ever with a record number of 600 entries received from all over the world. Gates open 6pm and tickets cost $25pp including a glass of wine.
"It's an exciting development for the festival to have a new venue at Bunnamagoo Estate. Our audience has come to really embrace the whole outdoor cinema experience of wine, food and films." said Mike O'Malley, Event Organiser.
Venue: Gates open 6pm. Bunnamagoo Estate Wines Henry Lawson Drive, Mudgee
Tickets on sale through the official website: www.mudfest.com.au, the Butcher Shop Café in Mudgee, Bunnamagoo Estate cellar door (02) 6372 3899 and MRTI on (02) 6372 1020.
The Mudgee Region is a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney in Central NSW. For more information on the events, tickets and touring contact the Mudgee Visitor Information Centre on ph (02) 6372 1020 or go to www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au
