Fashion, Food & Fine Wine at Marlborough Wine Festival
New Zealand’s largest and longest running wine festival is yet again looking at a sell out. With just a few days to go, tickets are scarce for the Marlborough Wine festival on February 13 2010. Only 8000 tickets have been issued for the event.
For the past three years the event has been a sell out and this year looks like being no different. Festival Events manager Sarah Booker says anyone who has been thinking about getting their ticket will need to move quickly to avoid disappointment. “Last year we had people camping outside the site in an effort to buy tickets. They were highly sought after and this year we are expecting even more last minute interest.”
Sixtyseven wineries will be on site at this year’s festival, accompanied by 30 food stalls. The pairing up of food and wine will play an important role on the day, with renowned chef Martin Bosley heading a team of judges to find the ultimate wine and food match. Last year’s winner was tantalising Nelson Scallops tossed in macadamia chilli kelp sprinkle, and seared on a barbecue, accompanied by a Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Chardonnay.
Festival goers will get the same opportunity as the judges to savour the food and wine matchings, and decide for themselves which one they most prefer. Organisers are also encouraging people to dress up for the occasion, with the Thomas’s Fashion In The Vines competition offering thousands of dollars worth of prizes. “Think Melbourne Cup or Ellerslie Boxing Day races and dress up accordingly,” Ms Booker said. “We want people to make a fashion statement that matches the quality of the wine and food on display.”
Men and women will vie for the top prize of $2000 worth of travel, while other prizes include tickets to the Wearable Arts, a men’s Rembrandt Suit worth $700, Kathryn Wilson shoes and wine. With well over 80 competitors last year, Ms Booker says the fashion competition has quickly become one of the highlights of the day.
Being aware of host responsibility has seen organisers introduce wristbands this year for everyone aged over 18. The wristbands will be applied as people enter the festival site and anyone who looks under the age of 25 will need to provide some form of identification before being issued with an official wristband. “Wineries will not serve to anyone without a wristband. No band – no wine. Simple as that.”
The Marlborough Wine Festival will once again be held at Pernod Ricard’s picturesque Montana Brancott Estate, the first modern day vineyard to be established in the Marlborough region. Gates will open at 10:30am, with the last wine of the day being sold at 5:30pm.
Tickets for the festival are available from www.ticketdirect.co.nz
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