Make the most of Marlborough’s best day out

New Zealand’s longest-running wine and food festival is set to shine in its new, bigger venue at Renwick Domain this year. The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is a heritage event where proud Marlburians and visitors to the region enjoy excellent wine and delicious food as the centrepiece to a fun day of live music and entertainment.

Now in its 36th year, the 2023 festival brings exciting newcomers such as Rimapere Vineyard and Eva Pepper Wines to the fore, alongside wineries that have exhibited at the festival for many years, such as Hunter’s Wines and Forrest Wines. They are among more than 30 wineries and more than 15 food producers and caterers bringing their best to the table for an unforgettable day.

The festival is a place to discover delightful combinations of wine and food. It is also an opportunity to find 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, brought to you by Feast Marlborough, where guest chefs Peter Gordon and Edward Drury will create masterpieces from Marlborough’s best local produce and artisan foods, with celebrity chef and TV star Mark Southon as MC.

If you’ve bought a masterclass ticket you are in for a treat, blending your own special glass of pinot noir with winemakers, or pairing sauvignon blancs with artisan aged cheeses. And even without a masterclass ticket, the festival is a feast of opportunities for wine lovers, foodies and those looking to learn.

When you’re not indulging your tastebuds, catching up with family and friends, chilling or dancing to the line-up of award-winning musicians gracing the main stage, you can stroll around and meet the people behind both iconic and newer boutique brands.

The experts are on hand to judge the Supreme Wine & Food Match Competition and you’ll have the chance to exercise your own new expertise by voting for the People’s Choice Award for your favourite pairing of wine and food.

Now is the time to get your festival plan together for the very best of Marlborough served to you in a day. Tickets are available until sold out from the Blenheim iSITE and online at marlboroughwinefestival.co.nz.