Crowds took the chance to indulge in la dolce vita, Italian for the sweet life.

Across Broke, the red, white and green flags flew with the Italian spirit in full swing as visitors tasted the mouth-watering food and wine and the many activities.

One of the most popular at A Little Bit of Italy is the traditional Bocce tournaments held at Catherine Vale Vineyard.

On Saturday, visitors from the Nelson Bay Croatian Fisherman Sports Club made their annual pilgrimage with the courts full of action, plenty of fun and even heated arguments.

“The bigger the argument, the better the game,” bocce player Sime Franov told The Argus on Saturday.

Like many who visited, they declared that they would be back for more again next year such is their love for the festival.

According to Broke Fordwich Association secretary Mike Wilson, about 1400 people visited Broke over the weekend enjoying the “party” atmosphere.

He said many commented that they had not realised what Broke had to offer in comparison to its nearby neighbour Pokolbin.

“There were lots of people, lots of families, really enjoying themselves as they relaxed, sat back and enjoyed the view of the mountains.

“Broke has a relaxed atmosphere and we delivered it brilliantly on the weekend,” he said.

Looking to next year, he said A Little Bit of Italy would retain its successful format with the addition of a new cellar door at Stomp Wines.

Venues to participate in this year’s festival included the Catherine Vale Vineyard, Somerville Wines, Krinklewood Biodynamic Vineyard, Margan Family Wines, Mount Broke Wines, Nightingale Wines, Pickled & Pitted/River Flats Estate, Broke Estate and Whispering Brook.