locale
lo·cale | \ lō-ˈkal
noun:/ a place or locality where something happens or is set, or that has particular events associated with it.
Similar: nexus, place, site, spot, area, position.
Our Legendary Locales are much more than just pubs, breweries and wineries they are hand picked, immersive spaces with their own stories to tell, perfectly suited for musical performances with a mix of indoor & outdoor stages back dropped with stunningly serene vistas.
Going Up The Country ... Stars & Bars Festival Heathcote brings together an assemblage of amazingly talented artists with some unique Central Victorian Goldfields locales; combined with an exploration of the region's exceptional wines, craft beers, artisanal spirits, local produce as well as that famous Heathcote Hospitality.
Alright Ramblers, Let's Get Rambling...
Be sure to book your ticket early to avoid disappointment!
Its' relaxed indoor spaces and outside courtyard create an easy meeting point for travellers, locals and touring artists moving through the region.
Hosting live music and regular events on it's purpose built stage The Watering Hole Heathcote reinforce its role as an active social hub within the town’s hospitality scene.
The venue’s focus on local beverages and welcoming service ensures visitors experience the character of the region without formality. They also serve up a mean cup of coffee !
The Redesdale Hotel is a historic country pub on the Kyneton-Heathcote Road, operating from a bluestone building dating back to the 1850s and originally serving travellers moving through the Victorian goldfields.
Legend has it Ned Kellly once drank here but this place has got plenty of Legends. Generations of shearers and farmers swapping yarns in the ront bar all leaving their mark.
Inside, open fireplaces and timber interiors create a relaxed setting for long lunches or post-tour gatherings, while the beer garden and outdoor areas extend the experience in warmer months.
Regular live music, functions and community events reinforce its role as a social hub for locals, travellers and touring audiences moving between Bendigo, Heathcote and the wider goldfields region.
With its heritage, food-and-wine focus and roadside location, the hotel continues to anchor the regional touring route as a destination where visitors can connect with both history and contemporary country hospitality
Set among the red soils that define Heathcote’s reputation, Sanguine Estate is a family-owned boutique winery built on patience, craft and regional identity. Established by the Hunter family in the late 1990s, the vineyard has grown from weekend plantings into more than 69 acres of vines producing a diverse range of premium wines led by expressive Shiraz.
The estate holds a coveted 5 Red Star rating from the James Halliday Wine Companion, reflecting a long track record of highly awarded releases and consistent quality across both flagship reds and emerging varietals.
Sanguine Estate’s range is anchored by Shiraz, which dominates the vineyard and appears across multiple flagship labels, supported by a diverse portfolio that includes Cabernet blends, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo and Lagrein, alongside whites such as Chardonnay, Fiano and Verdejo and a Rosé program.
The wines reflect Heathcote’s ancient Cambrian soils, known for producing deeply coloured, full-flavoured yet balanced styles, while smaller plantings of varieties like Viognier, Merlot and Petit Verdot add further depth to the lineup.
Visitors to the cellar door at Shurans Lane are welcomed into a relaxed, family-run environment where seated tastings showcase current releases alongside limited bottlings often unavailable through retail channels.
The landscaped terrace, vineyard outlook and curated cheese or charcuterie options encourage longer stays and a slower pace that aligns perfectly with Stars & Bars regional touring style.
The Shiraz itself, (a stalwart of Heathcote) has been joined by a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec, and each year, another Schoolhouse Red blend. In 2005, the first Fortified Shiraz, Shiraz-Viognier, Rosé and a Late Harvest (Viognier-Marsanne) were created. Replicating an attention to detail offered exclusively by Munari Wines.
All of Munari's wines are designed to contrast with a distinctive individuality and character that accommodates the most complex or the most simplistic of palates.
“We want to offer easy drinking wines of great value to those who have no tasting experience and to those who are seasoned veterans”. We apply the same concept to your favourite foods, matching wines for courses and complimenting your dining experience is a concept we strongly believe in.
Adrian & alongside winemaker daughter India continues his passion for winemaking and viticulture. Crafting more bold, beautifully rounded and charismatic wines that uphold the reputation of a first class Heathcote wine region.
Envy Distilling is a small craft distillery, owned and run by Nathan and Vanessa (the "N" and "V"). Like many distillers, they decided it was time to take our love of craft spirits to a whole new level, and so Envy Distilling was born.
Their gin and brandy expressions are inspired by a love for the traditional alembic methods, and the produce available from, and inspired by, our local community. Whether that be the deeply characteristic Heathcote wine region of central Victoria, or a neighbourhood paddock or backyard full of the most amazing and diverse botanicals.
They'll be joining us for the Evening Session at Palling Bros Brewery with a special Envy Distilling Pop Up Bar to keep the good times rolling throught the night!
OUR 2026 LOCALE PARTNERS
EXPLORE HEATHCOTE
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REGION
CLICK LOGOS BELOW
