Festival Information

8000 wine and food lovers come from all over New Zealand and the world to experience New Zealand’s most popular and successful wine festival.

The festival is held every 2nd Saturday in February, with the 2011 event scheduled for Saturday 12 February. Festival goers get the opportunity to sample a unique selection of wines and local foods all in the heart of one of Marlborough’s oldest and most beautiful vineyards – Montana Brancott Estate. For the wine aficionados there are two wine tutorials from the region’s leading winemakers and viticulturist and for the budding fashionistas the very popular Thomas’ Fashion in the Vines competitions. Music entertainment is provided throughout the day by some of New Zealand’s top performers.

Festival Facts

Festival hours

10:30am – 6pm (wine sales will cease at 5:30pm)

Tickets:

Tickets are $48+booking fee ($2) and can be purchased from TicketDirect. Your festival ticket gets you entry into the festival site, a festival souvenir glass, a programme booklet and a full day of entertainment
For those Under 18, a ticket is still required and a special ID bracelet will be administered at the entry tent.
Children under 10 are free.

Wine Sales

Wine sales cease at 5:30pm, gates close at 6pm
There are no bottle sales at the festival, however wineries do have the option for festival goers to pre-purchase wine to collect from their cellar door at a later or mail order
After 3pm, festival goers are only allowed to purchase 2 glasses at a time
Wine pours come in two measures – Tasting measure = 40ml and Glass measure = 120ml
Cost of wine pours vary between wineries, however the average for a glass of wine is listed below:
Sauvignon Blanc $4 - $8
Pinot Gris - $4 - $8
Riesling - $4 - $8
Chardonnay - $5 - $10
Pinot Noir - $6 - $12

The Festival Bank / EFTPOS

National Bank have a bank on site from 10:30 – 4:30pm providing EFTPOS facilities to festival goers. International visitors can withdraw cash on their credit card.

General

It is recommended you bring your own water bottle, there are 6 water stations at the festival where you can get a refill
First Aid is available at the event, this is clearly indicated in the festival catalogue
Pack sunscreen and hat for the festival, cancer society are also present to provide sunscreen and sun protection.
Lost property is held at the festival information tent until 5pm, thereafter it will be taken to the Police station 03 578 5279
The event will go ahead rain or shine
No beverages are allowed on site and will be confiscated on entry
No foods are allowed to be taken on site – unless you have specific dietary requirements
Bags will be searched on entry
Large umbrellas and gazebos are not allowed on site, shade will be provided
Children under 10 admitted free of charge
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