Sydney Wineries 2001 Bud Burst Festival

Where: Vicary's Winery, 1935 Northern Rd, Luddenham

Grape Vines were first planted at Sydney in 1788 with the first wine being made by Schaeffer at Parramatta in 1798. This was the birth of the Australian wine industry which is world renown. From this period on, many vineyards and wineries were established throughout the Sydney basin with famous names such as Macarthur, Busby, and many others. In fact it was from the Sydney vineyards that most of Australia's vineyards received their original vines. Unfortunately towards the end of the nineteenth century the vineyards were devastated by the vine louse Phyloxera which destroyed many of the grape growing areas in Australia (excluding the Barossa and Hunter Valley). In the early part of the twentieth century, due to the influence of the predominantly fortified wines of South Australia, consumer preference changed to drinking Port and Sherry style wines, making it difficult for the table wine styles of the Sydney environment to be re established. In the last 30 years however the consumer tastes have changed more to consuming table wines and lead to increased plantings of table wine grapes in areas such as the Hunter Valley and in areas close to Melbourne. Sydney is also having a revival with wineries such as Tizzana (C1887), Vicary's, Gledswood, Kirkham, Cobbity, Mount Hunter, Richmond Estate, Camden Park, Nangarin and many more, popping up.

To celebrate this revival the Nepean Hawkesbury Wine and Grape Growers Association will be holding a "BUD BURST FESTIVAL" at Vicary's winery on Sunday 9th September with spring heralding not only a new season but also the rebirth of the wineries of Sydney. It will be a chance to sample and buy wine from all the wineries at one location. Not only will there be wine on display but also food and Olive products from the local area - and much more.

Additional Information Chris Niccol (02) 4773 4411