But the public can still see a spectacular display of hot air balloons, with take-offs at the winery’s airfield at 7am on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Brown Brothers visitor manager Paige Schweizer said the evening event on Saturday, with illuminated balloons a backdrop to food and entertainment, was completely booked out with no tickets at the gate.

“We have 3000 people for that and are at capacity, which totally exceeded our expectations,” she said.

“I think the balloon festival is something the region hasn’t seen before.

“Each morning of the long weekend you can watch the balloons as they all take off, it will be quite visually spectacular.

“That is free to attend and we will have coffee stands and food provided by primary schools as a fundraiser.” 

The skies above Whitfield will also be full of colour for afternoon flights from 3pm.

Ms Schweizer said there was already talk about bringing the festival back in 2019.

“We’ve had people travelling from Melbourne specifically for it – it’s great for tourism in the region,” she said.

The balloon festival is among a number of events linked to the Wines of the King Valley group.

Closer to the Border, the Winery Walkabout will also take place in Rutherglen.

Places can be purchased for balloon flights, which are run by Gold Rush Ballooning and dependent on weather.