The festival, which will include locally produced wine, beer, spirits and food, replaces the Winter Wine Festival which was cancelled last year due to logistical issues around the amount of people wanting to attend.

Festival managing director Sam Tooley said it was a great chance to showcase the region’s superb fare.

“With the quality of produce in the region and the combined skills of the farmers, producers, chefs and restaurateurs we are really looking forward to showcasing them at an event dedicated to the South Coast,” he said.

“We have worked with representatives from the local wine industry association to broaden the event to not just wine but craft beers, distillers, food, chefs and restaurants - all sorts of things.”

The festival will be held from September 13-15. It will start with a special trade only event on the Friday afternoon and then two-days showcasing the region’s many superbly talented professionals.

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Markets, food and wine tours, tastings, master classes and demonstrations, live entertainment and a barbecue smoking contest are all part of the event.

“We are excited to be working with some of the most iconic tourism and hospitality providers in Southern NSW,” Mr Tooley said.

“The likes of two-time chef hat winner Biota Dining and Rick Stein at Bannisters Mollymook bringing the ‘wow’ factor to the event.

“Let’s face it, who doesn’t love Berry? And who doesn’t love wine and food?

“We are hoping to establish it as a signature event on the South Coast.”

The festival’s launch included an announcement of $20,000 funding under round two of the NSW Government's 2019 Incubator Fund.

“We have partnered with local wine industry association and have a number of members on board,” Mr Tooley said.

“We all know the region produces some wonderful food and numerous award winning wines. This is a chance to showcase them in the one location at the one time.

“We also have a couple of Southern Highlands producers on board to add the depth of texture to the event. We have some craft beer brewers from the local area, the Illawarra and Southern Highlands and some distillers from the Illawarra also taking part.”

He said the 2017 Winter Wine Festival hosted by the local wine association attracted 12,000 people.

“The festival just became too big and too successful - it became difficult to manage,” he said.

“We have been working with the Berry Chamber of Commerce and will have a designated parking area at the Berry Sporting Complex.

“From there it is an easy 800 metre walk from North Street, through the township to get to the showground.

“Hopefully that also encourages patrons to engage with the many businesses in the village.

“The showground is also close to the railway station offering another form of transport getting to the event. We are also looking at having integrated buses and shuttle buses.”