It's the biggest event of the region, after that follows the annual show and the Melbourne Cup but the Food and Wine festival is where all the local vignerons converge to show off their finest produce for that year. 

Call it an extravaganza of the grape, but its highlighted the fact that Heathcote is no longer a sleepy sheep farming community, its being slowly and methodically taken over by orchardists busily planting olives and vines. 

From what was once a pee and tea stop on the way to somewhere, motorists are now being seduced to call into our newest local produce stores and wine cellars, they're being tempted to purchase goodies en route or stay to wine and dine, some are even succumbing to the delights of lingering longer and staying in one of the many new bed and breakfast cottages.

Only an hour and a half from Melbourne this is the ideal getaway location, driving up from the airport via the Calder through picturesque Lancefield and Romsey you'll pass some of the magnificent rock formations you'll see anywhere. Some travellers have compared them to the Devil's Marbles in the Northern Territory.

But you don't need to travel so far inland just staying at a local bed and breakfast you can enjoy the views to the McHarg ranges formed many years ago. This has become a very popular destination ideally located within easy driving distance from many local wineries.  Its where you too can discover the 'perfect' wine in a little out of the way cellar and door winery, how like provincial France it is, there are even cheese and olive provender's who add to the deliciousness of it all. 

Try a rabbit pie at the Redesdale pub, it goes so well with a local Viognier  and if you haven't taken time out to see the Pink Cliffs then you really have missed a wonderful spectacle.  At sunset this is a photographer's delight, the rosiness of your surroundings will leave you with happy thoughts for the duration of your holiday in this pretty region. The reason for the phenomenon will appeal to the geologist or greenie in you.

Its just a reminder that this started off as a gold mining town, as were many others in this area and the results of their labours are seen everywhere. Including the many outcrops of broken quartz - bring your metal detector it could pay for your stay.  A big find is all that Heathcote is looking for to put it on the map!

This year do yourself a favour and set aside a weekend, just to indulge yourself in this very special region and while you're here take time out to enjoy the stars. On a clear night, they're the best in the Southern Hemisphere - its all true and you won't believe it till you see it for yourself, more in the next exciting episode of Heading to Heathcote the Red Heart of Victoria.