Marlborough Wine & Food Festival

Fun for foodies and musos at this years Wine & Food Festival

New Zealand’s longest-running wine and food festival is returning on 11 February after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. Bringing exciting newcomers to the fore alongside wineries that have exhibited at the festival for years – with many award-winning wines in the mix. Marlborough Magazine looks at what festival goers can expect.

The 36th Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is shaping up to be a buffet of inspiration for both seasoned foodies and those looking to learn. Festival committee chair and Marlborough grape grower Tracy Johnston describes Marlborough food as one of the region’s best-kept secrets. "While Marlborough is world renowned for its wine, the food we produce here is our best kept secret. “This is why the festival is such a unique opportunity to discover new and delightful combinations of wine and food. It is also an opportunity to discover new favourite brands and varietals especially from the wineries that don't have a cellar door or restaurant open to the public all year round. All ticket holders have access to the Culinary Pavilion where top chefs such as Peter Gordon and Mark Southon will create masterpieces from Marlborough’s best local produce and artisan foods. “We are delighted to be delivering the Culinary Pavilion in partnership with Feast Marlborough – they live for great food and will bring some of the best to the pavilion,” Tracy says. There is also the option to purchase a ticket to a masterclass. “People find that masterclasses really round out their festival experience – they are great value and designed to inspire,” Tracy says. And of course with more than 30 wineries exhibiting, festival-goers can wander up and meet the makers and growers of award-winning wines at any time. “The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the iconic brands and discover new first-time new boutique producers. We encourage people to have a chat and learn a little – or a lot – from the exhibitors.”

From great food and wine to great music – this year’s festival has something for everyone.

Experience a masterclass

Sanna Stander is a winemaker for Two Rivers of Marlborough and Black Cottage Wines. She also hosted the ‘Sauvingon Blanc and Cheese’ masterclass at the 2019 and 2020 Marlborough Wine & Food Festival.

Sanna says that masterclasses are a very fun way to deepen your understanding of wine and get some great take-home tips. “It’s such a lovely environment, and I’d really

recommend giving a masterclass a go. If you like cheese, the Sauvignon Blanc and cheese masterclass is a must.

“It’s a very clever idea centred around five glasses of different wine, and a beautiful platter of cheese that the winemaker and the cheesemaker have decided are a good combination. Not only that, but the cheesemaker will often have a little unexpected condiment that will add that bit of magic and change the whole flavour profile. “It’s fascinating but it’s definitely not serious – we have a lot of fun and people leave with inspiration and new ideas, and maybe a new favourite wine and cheese combo.”

There are two master classes to choose from and each is an hour long:

1. Celebrating 50 Years of Sauvignon Blanc (with Cheese!) Celebrate the drop that Marlborough is worldfamous for paired with wonderful artisan aged cheese. 2023 marks the 50th year anniversary since the first commercial plantings of Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough. Hosted by some of the pioneers of the Marlborough wine industry, this masterclass will give you a deep insight into the history of New Zealand’s most famous wine region.

2. Masterclass - Unlock your inner Winemaker Blend your own unique glass of Marlborough Pinot Noir, perfectly suited to you! Experience the art and enjoyment of blending wine! The masterclass will be led by some of Marlborough’s best winemakers, and you will discover Marlborough’s three main grape growing subregions as well as explore the fundamentals behind wine blending.

Enjoy the entertainment

The Renwick Domain is soon to be transformed into an accessible and unforgettable festival site where festival-goers will be immersed into a full wine, food and entertainment experience. Ten-time New Zealand music award-winning duo Broods will grace the main stage with an hour-long DJ set, drawing from their popular albums. Marcus anticipates that the Nelson-born artists will be one of the festival’s musical highlights, alongside Coterie – a five-piece band with a reputation for excellent live shows.

“Marlborough’s best wine and food is centre stage of this heritage festival, and then we layer on fun and entertainment with great music on multiple stages,” Marcus says. The line-up has been carefully selected to please festival-goers. “All acts have been handpicked to create the great atmosphere the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is famous for. “Coterie make soulful rock music that goes just beautifully with wine and food. Niko Walters will also go down a treat and we’re excited to have Sweet Mix Kids booked again this year. They are seriously fun and get booked for some of the world’s coolest festivals such as Coachella and the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival of course!” Marcus says. Local band Vagus Plum are booked to play, with more local Marlborough musicians due to join the line-up.

Event details • Saturday 11 February 2023 • Renwick Domain on Uxbridge Street in Renwick • This is strictly an R18 event • There is on-site parking and the site and facilities are mobility-friendly • Festival bus transport between the venue and

Blenheim CBD will be available • General admission and VIP Retreat tickets are available. • All ticket holders receive a souvenir wine glass, festival programme, access to the Culinary

Pavilion and all entertainment zones. • Ticket holders for The Lounge enjoy exclusive access to a secure, comfortable area to relax in and enjoy appetisers and two glasses of

Marlborough Méthode Traditionelle. • Ticket holders to the VIP Retreat have access to an exclusive bar, non-alcoholic drinks, delicious food, salmon filleting tutorials and sashimi tasting and VIP toilets and coat check.