Record crowds flock to wine festivals
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Organisers of two southern New South Wales wine and food festivals during the long weekend say cellar door attendance rates were at record highs.
Local residents made up about half the visitors to the fifth annual Shoalhaven wine festival, with about 2,000 touring vineyards along the coast.
Organiser Shane Bricker says last year saw a 50 per cent jump in numbers which has been repeated this year.
"We thought it was a bit of a stretch, but the amount of visitors we've had to the area has been unbelievable," he said.
The third annual Southern Highlands festival also reported packed venues.
"One of the cellar doors actually had their best day ever and they've been open for about eight years," coordinator Clare Cooper said.
Both organisers say the emphasis on locally produced food as well as wine increased visitor numbers, with produce tours selling out.
