On Saturday, April 22, Port Macquarie’s oldest winery, Douglas Vale, will hold a huge celebration to mark 150 years since its first harvest.
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Bring the whole family along to enjoy live music, vintage cars, tours of the homestead museum, treasure stalls, craft displays, and of course, wine-tasting.
Other highlights of the Heritage celebration include a live performance of an historical account of ‘The Story of Douglas Vale’, and the special release of a new Premium Port aged in special oak since 2009.
The event will be held from 9.30am-3pm and entry is by gold coin donation.
Devonshire Teas, a barbecue and other tasty treats will be on offer all day.
The first vintage from Douglas Vale was in 1867 from Isabella vines, which were imported from America.
The vineyard developed into one of the finest vineyards in the district, winning many overseas awards.
The celebration on April 22 coincides with 2017 Heritage Week (21-28 April), and is the perfect opportunity to learn about the once thriving wine-making industry of the Hastings Valley, which is a lesser-known part of the region’s heritage.
Douglas Vale was one of the largest of the 46 vineyards in the Hastings in 1898.
There are now seven wineries in Port Macquarie.
Douglas Vale Homestead and Vineyard features the oldest original timber homestead in Port Macquarie.
With a visit to historic Douglas Vale you can experience the lives of pioneer men and women, gardens, vineyard and wines from the cellar door.
It was established in 1859 by the Francis family from England, and all that remains of the vast original property is a three-hectare site classified by the National Trust, which is also a listed Local Heritage site under the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
Douglas Vale Historic Homestead and Vineyard is a volunteer-run working vineyard and museum and is unique in Australia, and possibly the southern hemisphere, and a very important part of Port Macquarie’s history.
All funds raised will be used for continuing restoration and maintenance.