Wairarapa’s high profile restaurants, finest wineries and food producers will gather for a day of indulgence set amidst the stunning backdrop of ancient native trees and a picturesque riverside setting early 2024.
The Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival, will be held at ‘The Cliffs’ Riverside Reserve, on Saturday 17 February, celebrating the beginning of the 2024 grape harvest season.
General Manager Carla Steed says they have used the new 2024 opportunity to take the festival to the next level.
“We are delighted to offer for the first time a “Masterclasses” style event featuring eight of our more experimental and off the beaten track wines that you may not have tried before. Each winemaker will give attendees a look under the bonnet showcasing how our local wineries are pushing the boundaries of traditional wine making.”
Steed says the event titled Inside the bottle of Wairarapa Wines will suit wine lovers with deep knowledge as well as wine appreciators who are just starting their journey, into the wonderful world of wine.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the 16 participating wineries to give visitors an insight into the wide variety and styles of wine available in the region.”
Alongside sampling the wines from the finest wineries, visitors will be able to savour delicious culinary creations from Wairarapa’s high-profile restaurants and food producers.
Eateries at the 2024 event are expected to include: Korky’s Catering, Kiwi Kai Catering, Colombo Martinborough, Caveman BBQ, Clareville Bakery, Brac N Bow, Balter Bar, Le Gra Winery, and Levitate Coffee.
Wineries at this years’ event include: Alexia Wines, Big Sky Wines, Borthwick Estate, Butterworth Estate, Cambridge Road Vineyard, Colombo Martinborough, NgaPari, Fairmont Estate, Gladstone Vineyard, Huntress, Johner Estate, Le Gra Winery, Lynfer Estate, Matahiwi Estate, Schubert Wines and Urlar.
“The festival showcases the very best the region has to offer. Our line-up of wineries are some of the most boutique in the region, and paired with local food prepared by some of the Wairarapa’s top chefs, is a match up not to be missed,” Steed said.
Revellers will be able immerse themselves in a day of pure indulgence and enjoyment, in a vibrant atmosphere filled with live entertainment from iconic Kiwi musicians including Uncle Monkey, The BeatGirls, The Satisfactions, The Blueprint and Steve Carlin Crooner.
Steed says the festival team are delighted to have key sponsors, Provincial Insurance Brokers on board once again, who have committed to supporting the festival for at least the next three years.
Harvest Festival was selected as a 2023 finalist in the 25th Wellington Gold Awards, and General Manager Carl Steed says the recognition is testament to her team and the Wairarapa wine and food producers who are core to its success.
“We’re proud to be able to deliver such an iconic Wairarapa event that has been built from the ground up, showcases the world-class Wairarapa wine and food, and is now a sell-out every year.”
Steed says they have also thought of everything so festival goers can make their day completely hassle free by letting the team at Tranzit take care of their transport to and from Harvest.
“Conveniently located just 10 minutes from both Masterton and Carterton, the festival site is easily accessible to both locals and visitors to the district. For those who prefer to drive, free parking will be available. However, we encourage you to make life easier by taking advantage of our regional shuttle service. Tranzit Tours will be running Harvest shuttle transfers from the South Wairarapa townships of Featherston, Martinborough and Greytown as well as from the townships of Carterton and Masterton. In addition, there are coaches departing from four locations in Wellington and the Hutt Valley bringing festival goers safely over the hill.
Tickets will sell out fast, so those lucky enough to get in quickly will be treated to a plethora of wines and food matches to choose from. The beauty of Harvest is the fact that good wine, food and music is only a few steps away for the entire day.”
For more information or to purchase tickets please visit https://wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz/ and follow activity on social media https://www.facebook.com/WairarapaWinesHarvestFestival
Key information:
When: Saturday, 17th February 2024
Where: “The Cliffs”, Dakins Road, Carterton
When: Gates open at 11am
