A COMBINATION of almost perfect weather and a crossover-crowd from the Australian National Field Days contributed to a record crowd at Orange Wine Festival’s night market in 2014.
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Labelled as the most successful wine festival market since it began 10 years ago, Robertson Park was bursting at the seams with 6000 residents and visitors from around the state, all vying for a taste of some of the region’s best wine and food.
Winemakers were overrun with customers and many restaurant stalls sold out of food before the night was over, which Taste Orange marketing manager Charlotte Gundry said highlighted the market’s growing popularity.
“Many of the winemakers said that they sold a lot of wine and they had a lot of interest from customers, so I think there will be lots of people at cellar doors over the weekend,” Ms Gundry said.
“Some of the people I spoke to, they were saying that it was one of the best markets yet. It looked really great, it was a nice layout and there were plenty of stalls to visit, both food and wine.”
Even a short rainstorm didn’t deter people from enjoying the 57 stalls, hay bale lounges, entertainment from Fanny Mae and the Hilltop Hoons or children’s activities.
“It was so balmy it was almost tropical, so I don’t think the rain really bothered people. People stayed with us and sheltered under the big beautiful trees we have in Robertson Park.
“If it was cold and wet, I think then people would have stayed away.”