The Moss Vale Cluster comprises 18 producers, cafes and wineries and reaches into Werai and Exeter.

Cluster manager and General Manager of Pepper Manor House, Jesse Kornoff, said there were two main benefits to the cluster.

“The first is that it gets everyone working together and maximises the patronage of each cluster member. We need to change the mindset: when someone visits a vineyard, they probably won’t go back but we want to keep them in the area, so the clusters help push them towards another producer,” he said.

Mr Kornoff said the second reason was strength in numbers. 

“It is much easier to promote 120 food and wine business in one group to the Sydney and Melbourne markets, and later internationally. Already we have huge media interest in the clusters,” he said.

The launch, between 3pm and 6pm this afternoon at Peppers Manor House, coincides with the completion of a substantial renovations at the hotel. 

Everyone is welcome to come to talk to the local producers, sample some food and wine, and take a tour of the new suites, dining and conference facilities.

“It’s a great opportunity to come and meet some of the people involved in turning Moss Vale around. The area is really changing,” he said.

Mr Kornoff said the clusters were also beneficial to local residents because there wouldn’t be many people who were aware of every offering in the area.

“There will be lots of names and faces that people recognise, but there will be lots they don’t,” he said. “There are some really interesting stories behind this cluster.”

For more details: http://southernhighlandsfoodandwineclusters.com.au/moss-vale-cluster/