Sunday July 15 saw the popular vineyard host a round of the Barbeques Galore National Barbecue Championship Series. 

12 teams from NSW and Queensland cooked up a range of meats for selected judges in the hope of winning a share of more than $3000 in cash and trophies. 

Crowds flocked to the vineyard in the winter sunshine.  On offer were trade stalls, food samples and a chance to kick back in the vineyard with some locally produced wine and frosty brews. 

There was a kids area, relaxed acoustic music from local singer and guitarist Matt Brooker to set the tone of the day, as well as some barbecue pitmaster talks and product demonstrations.

Port Macquarie man Brendan Croft from team Kickin Back BBQ said competitors cooked up four proteins including beef, chicken, lamb and pork ribs with half a dozen teams from the local area getting in on the action. 

“We have been barbecuing for four years, and this is the first time Beef in the Vines has been held at Cassegrains,” he said.

“It’s great and I hope they have it next year,” said Brendan, who barbecues at weekends and is a sales rep during the week.

Linda Moir and Mick Blanchard had come from Gloucester to compete.  They make their own dry rub and sell it, and were Team Highland Q, with a nod to Linda’s Scottish heritage. Their brisket was delicious, after being barbecued for six hours and rested for two.

“We love barbecuing, and coming to events like this,” said Linda, who was delighted to be in Port Macquarie.

The Hastings Co-op had a stall offering free samples of Meltique beef accompanied by Bago Bluff chutneys which were going down a treat with visitors.

They too hope the event will become an annual one.

RELATED CONTENT:

ALSO MAKING THE NEWS: