Cheers to Toast 2011

As reported in the Geelong Advertiser 31 October 2011

by Andrea Hamblin

RAIN didn't dampen the spirits of thousands of wine lovers who enjoyed many fine drops during the 10th anniversary of the region's biggest wine and food celebration.

The Toast to the Coast festival attracted record crowds to 13 venues across the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Moorabool Valley.

Like many Melburnians, Kathy Grimster visited the area to enjoy the coast for a four-day Melbourne Cup weekend.

Taking a break from the open-air dancefloor at Leura Park Estate, in Curlewis, she hailed the event the best yet.

"This year we are just going to a couple of wineries," she said. "We decided to stay at the ones that had everything, not just wine but food and music.

"It's a great way to find out about the local wines. It gives you a chance to visit the local wineries and see what other products they have it's just a great day."

Geelong Wine marketing executive Lyndsay Sharp said organisers had to hire more shuttle buses to cater for the crowds on Saturday.

Ticket sales were up four times on last year, she said, and she was "elated" at the response.

"It's a great event, it's our 10-year anniversary and Geelong wine is now recognised as being literally amongst the best in Australia," Mrs Sharp said.