Wine Marlborough is pleased to announce Marlborough’s iconic Wine & Food Festival will go ahead in 2022, with plans for the event to be held Saturday 12th February. Having had to cancel the 2021 event due to COVID-19, Wine Marlborough is even more determined to ensure next year’s February event is one of the best.
Alongside announcing all tickets will go on sale 28th October, it will be held in a new location that can now be revealed.
Wine Marlborough’s General Manager, Marcus Pickens would like to thank Brancott Vineyard for allowing the festival to be held among the historic vines for the past 33 years. Those years helped generate the legacy of the event that continues to celebrate Marlborough Wine & Food. Development at this vineyard, means the site will not be suitable for the festival to take place there in February next year.
“We couldn't think of a more appropriate new site than the Renwick Domain, which is in the heart of Marlborough wine country,” said Pickens.
Marlborough District Councilor for the Wairau/Awatere Ward, Cynthia Brooks said she is thrilled that the “village” of Renwick will play host to the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival.
“We identify as the heart of wine country, and this is where the recent wine industry started in the 70’s,” she says. “Within a stone’s throw of Renwick, is where the original plantings and wine companies began. So many people involved in the industry live in the village and Renwick is the service town for the industry. The people here will really embrace this festival.”
Brooks noted that the festival is one of the most important events in the Marlborough calendar and is the perfect opportunity for the region to celebrate.
“It is a celebration of who we are and what we have achieved as a wine region. I know everyone was gutted when it was cancelled this year, so hearing planning is underway for next year is fantastic news.”
Pickens said while the site will be new, the unique atmosphere of the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival will remain the same.
“Having attendees who have been to more than 20, or even 30 events reminds us how important the festival is, and that it is key to recreate the magic at a new site. We are up for the challenge and think it’s an exciting time for the event”.
With the ongoing concerns surrounding COVID-19, Pickens explained that there will be some operational improvements to the day’s events.
“It goes without saying, our number one concern is the health and safety of the Marlborough community, wine industry members and those attending, and we will be working with a number of parties including Nelson Marlborough DHB to ensure that we are taking all appropriate measures.”
More information for exhibitor registrations and tickets can be found at www.marlboroughwinefestival.co.nz
