First time to Festival?

If you are a first timer to the Marlborough Wine Festival below are some tips and information which will help you plan your day at New Zealand’s favourite wine festival:

Finding accommodation

As accommodation in Blenheim tends to book out over festival weekend, it is best to book well in advance, so not to miss out.
Please check out the travel and accommodation section of the website.

Getting there and back

We recommend you use the bus transport system that is available to and from the festival site, as the location is approximately 15km out of town - not within walking distance.
If you are taking a designated driver, car parking is provided and is $5 per day. A bus shuttle is provided to and from the festival site (from the car park) throughout the day.

What do you receive for your ticket?

Entry into the festival site, full day of entertainment, a souvenir festival glass and a festival programme.

Food

There are 28-30 food sites at the Marlborough wine festival all offer different local cuisine and produce.
If you have special dietary requirements, then we recommend that you bring a packed lunch.

Wine

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 date 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

What should you bring?

For the past 27 years the weather at the festival has been very consistent with lots of sun, so make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen and a bottle of water.
However make sure you keep an eye on our website as we will have regular updates on the forecast, you may need an umbrella (but very doubtful).