Sipping in the sun
On Saturday, 7 December, the South Island Wine and Food Festival returns to the stunning setting of North Hagley Park.
When the gates open, guests will be welcomed to indulge in some of the finest wines produced on the South Island – from Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs to Pinot Noirs from Central Otago and Chardonnays from North Canterbury. All accompanied by some of the best local fare.
New to the event this year is The Restaurant Showcase, which will feature 10 restaurants from around Christchurch, serving up three or four signature dishes.
“The aim is to highlight the chefs behind their delicious food offerings and create an opportunity for festival-goers to do some food and wine pairings,” says Callam Mitchell, from the festival’s organiser Team Event.
Also returning this year are some familiar favourites, including The Charity Auction.
“We also have a Mumm Champagne area, which will include some of Christchurch’s best house DJs, and the beer garden will be located next to this.”
It’s sure to be a party, with plenty of live music filling the air.
For those planning to attend, there are several ticketing options available, but they’re selling fast, so it’s best to get in now. General Admission tickets grant you entry to the festival, where you’ll receive a complimentary souvenir tasting glass and access to all the festival’s free features, including entertainment, wineries, and food producers.
For those in search of further luxury, Sergios presents the VIP Experience. This exclusive package includes a luxurious menu prepared by local chefs paired with a curated selection of wines from the festival’s exhibitors. You’ll also enjoy the perks of reserved seating, ensuring your group has the best view of the live music stage.
Connoisseur tickets have already sold out. Those who secured these passes will be treated to a range of extra benefits, including early entry and complimentary tasting tokens.
Callam says there are a couple of things attendees can do to make their time at the festival as enjoyable as possible.
“Arrive earlier in the day to enjoy a wander around the festival and see all we have to offer. Check out the activations and make your way around the wineries, not forgetting to sample some of the delicious food from The Restaurant Showcase and our hand-picked food truck vendors. Then, get your groove on at the main stage, or perhaps around the Mumm Beats & Bubbles area with the house DJs.”
Attendees are also reminded to bring cash. While some vendors will offer EFTPOS services, having cash on hand will save you from standing in long queues. Also, don’t worry about packing a lunch – with such a wide variety of food and drink vendors, there’s no need to bring your own. In fact, homemade or commercial food and beverages will be confiscated at the gate, so leave the Marmite sandwiches at home.
And don’t forget to slip, slop, and slap, as the event is outdoors in the height of the Canterbury summer. Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, or a poncho if rain is in the forecast. Some natural shade is available at the venue, but it’s always best to come prepared for the elements.
Whatever way you choose to enjoy the day, it’s set to be a celebration of something our island does so well – food and wine.