Taste the South Island's finest
One of the largest festivals of its type in the South Island returns to Hagley Park this summer for the 14th time.
Typically attended by around 10,000 people each year, this year’s South Island Wine & Food Festival on 7 December introduces several new features.
A Restaurant Showcase will profile deliciousness from some of the region’s leading restaurants. At least 35 wineries will again provide the opportunity for regular festival goers and wine enthusiasts alike to meet wine-makers in person and enjoy the benefits of sampling hundreds of wines throughout the day. Doing ‘side by side’ tastings with your friends and family is a highly recommended way to refine your palette and help confirm your favourite grape variety and vineyard.
Another new feature this year is the Mumm Champagne Lawn, where bubbles is the order of the day, while any non-wine drinkers can escape to the all-new Peroni Beer Garden. Also returning after a break will be the Charity Auction, which aims to raise $30,000-plus for Christchurch City Mission.
“The Christchurch South Island Wine & Food Festival is by far the most professionally organised and innovative event of its kind I have attended as an exhibitor,” says Edward Donaldson – Marketing Manager Pegasus Bay.
“The quality and diversity of wineries and food vendors is exceptional, as is the high standard of innovative seminars and outstanding entertainment. The festival attracts a diverse demographic of food and wine lovers and has, without doubt, set a new standard.”
As an annual ‘must do’ in Canterbury’s festival calendar, the South Island Wine & Food Festival also delivers a comprehensive programme of educational and entertaining wine and food-related seminars, including demonstrations from high-profile chefs in a dedicated Cooking Theatre.
Well known for its live entertainment, this year’s festival line-up features Drax Project, Hollie Smith, Lou’ Ana, Katie Thompson, Amiria Grennel, Craig Shaw, John Ussher, and Dan Veitch.
Festival director Callam Mitchell says he’s very proud personally that the festival has evolved into one that appeals to such a wide range of people, with 18–34-year-olds making up 20 per cent of ticket sales, those aged 35–44 being 32 per cent, the 45–54 year age group 28 per cent, while last year those aged 55-plus comprised a healthy 19 per cent of attendees.
“As anyone who’s previously come along will tell you, it’s a fantastic crowd with a truly great vibe. Almost everyone is up dancing by the end of the day.”
While ‘Wine Connoisseur’ tickets have already sold out, GA tickets for $54.90 are still available, as well as a limited number of ‘VIP Experience’ tickets ranging from $299 a ticket to reserved seating for tables of up to ten people. VIPs enjoy exclusive access to complimentary food from a local restaurant, complimentary beverages, plus a premium view of the main music stage.
The South Island Wine & Food Festival is operated by Team Event – famous for also delivering some of the city’s most professionally operated events each year, including Nostalgia Festival and the Great Kiwi Beer Festival. Team Event is the name behind the wildly successful Electric Avenue music festival, which has evolved over the past nine years into what will, in 2025, become the biggest party in Australasia over two days in Hagley Park.