Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival

Tickets for the 2012 Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival, on sale from late November 2011, are already on track to sell out the 2000 ticket capacity well before the event. Now in its sixth year the Harvest Festival is fast becoming recognised as one of Wairarapa’s unique, iconic events showcasing sensational wines and food from throughout the Wairarapa region.

The 2012 Harvest Festival will celebrate the beginning of the grape harvest season on Saturday March 10 at ‘The Cliffs’ Riverside Reserve on the banks of the Ruamahunga River in the popular wine growing area of Dakins Road in Gladstone in the heart of rural Wairarapa. While its remoteness and vineyard setting is part of the site’s appeal, being only 10 minutes from both Masterton and Carterton means it is still close enough to public transport to make it very accessible to locals and visitors to the district alike.

“Over the last six years the Harvest Festival has developed its own quite unique personality” says Event Manager, Liz Pollock. “While the primary focus is on celebrating the finest local wine and food, the spectacular riverside setting and relaxed environment creates a great family party atmosphere. Often you will find up to three generations of some families making it a day out which enhances the real community feel of the event”

Exhibitors operate from marquees set amongst the dozens of impressive 1000 year old native trees which are a feature of the festival site, with a total of 25 exhibitors, representing Wairarapa’s finest wineries and high profile restaurants and food producers, showcasing their wares.

Visitors to the Festival will have the opportunity to sample wines from not only the larger, better known wineries but also from some of the smaller boutique wineries in the region. In keeping with the informality of the event, visitors will also have the opportunity to meet the wine makers from the vineyards involved giving them an insight into the wide variety and styles of wine available in the region.

The best of the Wairarapa is expected on the plate as well as in the glass with award winning chefs from high profile restaurants throughout the region preparing local specialities. It is anticipated that this gourmet flavour of the event is likely to reach even greater heights in 2012 with the best food and wine matches on the day being judged by two celebrity food and wine writers!

Trade sites are also to be found amongst the food and wine marquees. Another first for 2012 will be a site hosted by the collective of Wairarapa olive oil producers who will offer tastings of some of the finest locally produced oils. In addition there will be arts, craft and jewellery on offer for those that want to take a break from socialising and enjoy a bit of shopping on the side!

To add to the atmosphere four bands will perform throughout the day catering to all tastes and adding to the celebrations.

The Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival is an occasion which not only celebrates the finest local wine and food but also the beautiful and diverse Wairarapa region.

Tickets to the 2012 Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival are available through all Ticketek outlets, by phoning 0800 TICKETEK, online through www.ticketek.co.nz.