For plenty of families, heading along to the Orange Wine Festival events means not just buying tickets, it either means forking out for a babysitter or having bored kids tag along to wineries.
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However, we've had a scour through the event list for the best family-friendly festival events which will give the kids something to do while mum and dad taste a few drops.
Music and Picnic at the old Schoolhouse
Mortimer Wines - Free
The most family-friendly event on the calendar wins the label because it's authentic - the playground at Mortimer Wines was designed for the Mortimer family first and visitors second.
A new look on last year's event from Mortimer Wines, the free event - no bookings required - gives families the chance to bring a picnic blanket, a spread of food and then head up the cellar door while kids play on the playground.
The event is on across two Saturdays, with live music to be played at both, too.
Julie Mortimer said her own "hectic grandchildren" were the reason the playground had been originally installed, not necessarily for the winery.
"We were going to put it near the house but he boys said to put it out the front ... nearly every time one of them comes back they add to it," she said.
"Very happy for people to bring along their own picnic blankets and food and then grab wine and beer and coffee from us and sit on the grass ... we had a new bore installed recently so it's all very lush."
She said the Mortimers had also scrubbed up the old schoolhouse which will be the site of the event, giving that a fresh look.
Details: October 19 and 26 from 1pm to 5pm, Mortimer Wines. Free, no booking required.
Movie under the stars
Stockman's Ridge - $30 per person
Stockman's Ridge has two films on during the festival, and showing Bottle Shock on October 25 and A Star Is Born on October 26.
Granted, neither are children's films, but with popcorn and lollies on offer, you won't get too many better chances to bring them with you, plonk them in front of the movie and have some glasses of wine as the stars twinkle above you.
And, if the kids are bored, being outside they'll have the chance to scoot up the back and run around, not the option you'd normally have at a cinema.
The movies both start at sunset, so you'll be able to head home before it gets too late, although you'll need to make the call on if you want your children watching each film, with a couple of darker moments in A Star Is Born especially.
Details: October 25 and 26 at Stockman's Ridge. Cost $30 per person, bookings at https://www.stockmansridge.com.au/events
Orange Wine Festival night market
Robertson Park - Gold coin entry
One of the signature events of Orange Wine Festival and a fan favourite, the night market in Robertson Park brings together dozens and dozens of stall holders - both food and wine - together with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Bring along a picnic blanket, plonk down on the grass and let the kids have a boogie in front of the rotunda while you tuck into a smorgasbord of the region's best food and wine.
Details: Robertson Park from 5.30pm until 8pm on Friday, October 25. Gold coin entry. No booking required.
Picnic BBQ among the vines
Dindima Wines - $10 to $14
Dindima Wines are throwing a big old barbecue and you're invited. The green open space at the winery will be transformed by the smell of Stefan Birmili's artisan sausages, with vegan and kids also taken care of.
There'll be plenty of space for kids to run around while parents pop over to the cellar door and bring a few glasses of wine back to the picnic rug.
You're able to bring your own food along, too, with a trip to the barbecue costing between $10 and $14, depending on how much you have.
Details: Dindina Wines, from 11.30am to 3pm on October 26. Cost $10 to $14. Bookings: 0408 449 664
Sparkling wine and oyster picnic
Printhie Wines - Free entry
A family friendly seafood fiesta will be held at Printhie Wines during the wine festival, with the sparkling wine and oyster picnic returning for another year.
With plenty of space for kids to run around, they'll be able to keep themselves entertained while you get some oysters into you, with half a dozen of the bad boys setting you back $12.50.
You can bring your own food for the kids and tuck into some sparkling. Win-win, right?
Details: Printhie Wines Millwood Vineyard, 194 Nancarrow Lane from 12pm to 5pm on October 26. Free entry.
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