Ripe returns
Ripe, The Wānaka Wine and Food Festival returns to the shores of Lake Wānaka on Saturday, 18 March 2023. This festival is all about passion and energy for the best wine and food of the region and our country.
After Covid restrictions forced Ripe Wānaka’s 2022 event to be postponed, locals and visitors have been hanging out to join the wide range of Central Otago Wine and Food producers on show. Ripe 2023 will be held at Glendhu Station, located within a ten-minute drive of Wānaka township and a stone’s throw away from one of New Zealand’s most beautiful campgrounds, Glendhu Bay Motor Camp.
Attendees will get to enjoy the exceptional panoramic lake and mountain views of the majestic bay area while enjoying some premium wine and food supplied by Central Otago’s best producers. Event organiser and Wānaka local Nathan White is proud to be in charge of Central Otago’s marquee wine and food event.
“We can’t wait to showcase the world-class Central Otago wine and food producers surrounded by the majestic scenery of Lake Wānaka to our guests coming from near and far.”
Some of the country’s premium wineries will be pouring wines, including Akarua, Amisfield, Cloudy Bay, Gibbston Valley, Misha’s Vineyard, Maude Wines, Valli, and more. The list goes on. There will be live music to keep the crowd going and some very special guests in the Quartz Reef Masterclass Marquee. These include wine expert Joelle Thomson, New Zealand’s foremost wine educator, Bob Campbell MW, and a cooking demonstration by Christchurch-based best-selling authors Two Raw Sisters.
For those looking for a bit of extra pampering, head to the Maude VIP tent. This area includes complimentary wine served throughout the day from local legends Maude Wines and some delicious canapés served up by The Platter Share. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere at your table under guaranteed shade, dip off to the private luxury loos, and enjoy being just close enough to the stage to enjoy the music while still being able to chat about your new favourite wines.
Buses will also be running from the Wānaka town centre, so look out for the transport link on Ripe’s website, or make the most of the location and stay across the road at the Glendhu Bay Campground.
With wine tastings, live music, demonstrations, and great food, Ripe has all the ingredients for a memorable day out next Otago Anniversary weekend.
General Admission tickets start from $52, and children aged 12 and under are free.