Local vigneron Mark Renzaglia of Renzaglia Wines yesterday said offering show patrons such a display had been a long-held dream of show secretary Brett Kenworthy.

Mr Renzaglia said Bathurst was a regional show and it was fitting for local food and wine to be promoted there.

He added that the production of food and wine were agricultural industries which was also in keeping with the nature of the show.

Bathurst is fast gaining a reputation for its excellent food and wine, and growers were happy to be given the opportunity to promote their product at such a high-profile event as the Royal Bathurst Show.

While they didn't have a lot of time this year to prepare for the exhibit, they believe they have hit on the right formula for next year's show.

Wines of Bathurst, Fish River Valley Brewing and the Bathurst Whole Food Co-op came together to create the exhibit in one of the pavilions at the showground.

Organic produce from local growers was also showcased.

The pavilion was decorated with an earthy harvest theme created with all the flair of Bishop's Court's Christine Le Fevre.

Chairs and tables from Courtyard were scattered throughout and provided a place for visitors to sit and enjoy the region’s fare.

Mr Renzaglia said five local wine producers – Renzaglia Wines, Three Views, Grass Parrot, Belbrook Friends and Vale Creek Wines – were represented in the hall.

They offered tastings and wine by the glass. These were accompanied by delicious food tasting plates prepared by Bathurst Whole Foods.

“I think this opportunity to be at the show provided us with hugely successful exposure,” Mr Renzaglia said.

“The public relations value was well worth the effort of putting it all together.

“Saturday was really good for us, although Sunday was a little quieter.

“Surprisingly we saw a lot of people from Sydney coming through as well as all the terrific local people who support us all the time,” he said.

Mr Renzaglia said everyone involved in this year’s display definitely wants to be involved again next year. 

Tony Hatch of Vale Creek Wines was very pleased with the success of the event, pointing out the display won the award for Champion Commer-cial Food and Beverage Exhibit.

“We are very pleased with the outcome,” he said.