"Cab Savvy" was held at the winery on Sunday, with the day including a wine blending class with winemakers Robert Bruno and Martin Wozniak. 

A casual lunch and entertainment were also on the menu, with the cellar door open for tastings throughout the day. 

Sixteen residents took part in the blending class, according to Mr Bruno. "I did have to limit the numbers a little bit for space reasons," he said. 

"We've had some very positive feedback about the class.

"The people I spoke to after were saying it was a very educational class and they got a lot out of it. "I think they enjoyed making their own blend ... it's definitely something we'll try again, but maybe next time it will be as part of the UnWined weekend in June."

Mr Bruno believes Taste Riverina has worked well in Leeton this year. 

"Definitely for us it's been great," he said. 

"We're really happy to take part ... it's been very good."

The Taste Riverina Food Festival will wrap up in Leeton later this week when Benvenuti holds its second Benvenuti al Gusto dinner on Thursday, 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

HANDS ON HELP FROM CHEF

IT WAS a case of taste buds being given the royal treatment at Lillypilly Estate Winery recently. 

The winery held a Taste Riverina event on October 19, attracting dozens of residents eager to take part. 

On the agenda for the day was various cooking demonstrations from chef Melina Puntoriero, who showed just how easy it was to create delicacies at home.

Starting off the day was creating gnocchi and spinach and ricotta ravioli, with many watching on happy to lend a hand and learn the cooking skills themselves. 

Lillypilly winemaker Robert Fiumara said the event was about showcasing food and wine. 

"It was definitely a very successful day ... it was packed out in there," he said. 

"A lot of the people that came along were given the opportunity to help make the food and then everyone was able to sample it. 

"We were doing some wine tasting as well, so it all came together well."

Following the first course it was back to the chopping block to make dessert, which consisted of making a pastry cream fruit flan and strawberry tiramisu.

"I'm sure Melina was very pleased to see people taking in what she was demonstrating and asking questions during the workshops," Mr Fiumara said. 

"Taste Riverina is a good idea ... if something similar were to happen again next year I'm sure we would be involved again.

"The comments we've received about our event were positive."

TOWN'S FOOD AND WINE HITS THE 'WRITE' NOTE

LEETON is set to feature in three different publications across the country after three journalists paid a visit to the town over the weekend. 

Peter Scott from Coast and Country Magazine, Chanel Parrat from Escape Travel, which is part of The Daily Telegraph and Michelle Hespe from the Rex Airline's OUTthere magazine were all in Leeton to attend various events over the course of Saturday and Sunday. 

Among the activities the trio took part were "Cab Savvy" at Toorak Winery, a pink dinner at Pag�s on Pine, and visited the Fivebough Wetlands, Walnuts Australia and the film festival at the Roxy Theatre. 

Visitor services co-ordinator Brent Lawrence said the aim of the visit was to promote Leeton to a mass audience. 

"We've been working with Lynsey Reilly from Lynsey Reilly Communications to get this visit to happen," Mr Lawrence said. 

"We wanted to get them here to show them what Leeton shire has to offer. 

"Packs of products, samples and sales letter were sent out to about 10 journalists, so to get three here was very pleasing. 

"It's something we will look at doing maybe once every three or six months."