Crooked River Winery has been given an interim development consent to host four events a year, for the next three years on its estate off Willowvale Rd at Gerringong.

The festivals have been held in the past under an incorrect assumption that an earlier consent allowed them.

The latest consent has been given as an interim measure, whilst the owners prepare a planning proposal to enable the additional permitted use on the land as a Function Centre.

Such a permitted use will have to be incorporated in the Kiama Local Environment Plan if the Winery wants to hold events beyond the consent period.

The events include ones that have built up a popular following over recent years.

In particular the Winter Wine Festival on the June Long Weekend and the A Day on the Hill events attract large crowds.

The consent limits attendance at these two events to 2,500 per day.

It also allows for a concert in November (2000 limit) and a Christmas in the Vines event (1500 limit).

In addition, the Winery will continue to run its smaller events, such as the Stomping of the Grapes and its Wedding Expo.

The existing sewerage system is being required to be upgraded.

The Winery will also be required to provide a minibus from the railway station, to minimise parking demand.

A neighbouring farmer, who asked for more notification of the events so he could better manage the location of his herd, was successful in his appeal for notification being required to given to him and others two weeks’ ahead.

Joseph Felice, the third generation of the family winery, looks after the events side of the business.

“It is a fantastic venue and our events are a significant drawcard for our area,” he said at Council’s Public Access.

“These events will generate 250 jobs per event, and we will contribute half a million dollars into the local economy by using only local suppliers.”

Events are a significant part of their future business strategy.