These are just some of the many questions Griffith Vintage Festival Manager, Carrah Lymer has been addressing.

Ms Lymer has provided the answers to these and other questions in this handy Q&A for our readers.

How long has the Griffith Vintage Festival been running?

This recent version of the event has only been running since 2017 when the Riverina Winemakers Association brought it back into the Easter weekend.

Prior to that, the Vintage Festival had a very long history dating back to the early 70s. (see press release in photo gallery) I think it wound up in the early to mid 90s once.

What's the difference between the old vintage festival and the new one?

The new Vintage Festival is a lot tamer.

I wasn't of legal age when the old vintage festival used to run but I do remember it vaguely and have heard plenty of stories about it.

It was a massive street party where people could walk around with their glasses of wine between the Miranda site and the main street, or jump on a bus and head out to one of the wineries where there was a huge party atmosphere at each.

It was far more relaxed back then where as nowadays we have so many requirements and laws around liquor licencing, public liability, responsible service of alcohol, and so on.

I can't ever see it being like the good old days again which I know people would like but we're just living in different times.

Didn't the Griffith Vintage Festival get cancelled?

We did have to cancel last year but we are very much on this year. I think people may also be confusing us with the old La Festa event which recently officially closed.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Will you ever move the Griffith Vintage Festival to a bigger, more public location?

I would never say never, but, it does make the management of the event that much more complex and time-pressured when it is held in a public space.

The site where we are currently at not only holds a lot of history for our event but is just a beautiful space that's quite central to the CBD, and because it is private property we don't have to do all our setup and pack down in one day.

What's the best thing about the Griffith Vintage Festival event?

Other than the amazing site where we get to host it and being able to showcase our local wines, I also really like that we can be that event where you get to catch up and reconnect with your family and friends, many of who have made it back specifically for the Easter weekend.

What else are the wineries doing over Easter?

Cellar Doors will be open for tastings and events but you need to BOOK AHEAD to avoid missing out. Also, check opening days and times for each as they will vary. Get out to the wineries and enjoy some great local wines and remember to enjoy responsibly.

https://www.unwinedriverina.com/

https://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/easter-party/whats-on.asp

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