Crooked River Wines’ annual Stomping of the Grapes Festival, due to be held next weekend (12-13 February), has been postponed due to uncertainty around the public health orders and the effect of them on patrons' ability to get the most out of the event.

The Festival was to have Missy Higgins, Spacey Jane, The Terrys and others play, and the delay will result in a new lineup being announced, along with the new date, next week.

“We are just finalising the new date and artists and I think everyone will be quite surprised who we have on board,” says Crooked River Wines’ Joe Felice.

He says postponing the event was a hard call to make.

“We thought long and hard about postponing the event and in the end we felt like it was the right thing to do

“These restrictions won’t let us show a true reflection of who we are in regards to our event, as people wouldn't be able to fully enjoy the event because of them.

“There are also hefty fines if you can’t control the crowds and if they don’t listen to the event organisers about what you can and can’t do.

“We didn’t want to take that risk or risk our patrons and staff getting the virus or spreading it.

“We are just really gutted and trying to do the best thing for our patrons, staff and artists.”

Stomping of the Grapes was to host 2500 people each day and was expected to inject about $1.5 million back into the region.

“This is the expenditure that normally flows on from Crooked River Wines’ two day festivals,” says Joe.

Tickets will either be transferred to the new date or refunded.