Aotearoa’s reggae-inspired eight-piece musical group The Black Seeds will headline Ripe - The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival - which returns to Glendhu Bay on March 23, 2024.

Festival event director Nathan White said the event would be bigger and better than ever with the finest wine and food producers alongside world-class entertainment.

“We’ll feature premium wineries such as Amisfield, Gibbston Valley and Cloudy Bay alongside a range of boutique wineries and food vendors from across Central Otago including Artisan Catering Arrowtown and The Stoaker Room Wānaka,” he said.

The Black Seeds will bring their big sound to Glendhu Bay at Ripe 2024. PHOTO: David James

“We’re also thrilled to have secured headline act The Black Seeds, one of New Zealand’s most-loved bands. We have a fantastic lineup and to see out the day and get the crowd singing along we’ve got local cover legends Mojo.”

Nathan said the festival will showcase 25 wine vendors and 15 food vendors as well as VIP experiences and wine masterclasses with leading sommeliers.

Wānaka’s award-winning craft brewer Rhyme X Reason will serve its popular range of craft beers and Scapegrace Distilling Co will serve cocktails from its handcrafted artisan products.

Delicious food matches. PHOTO: Supplied

The festival presenting partner, Forsyth Barr Wānaka, said Ripe had established itself as a major event attracting both a local and national audience.

“We are proud to be the presenting partner of this amazing event that showcases the premium wine and food of the Otago region in a setting of stunning natural beauty on Lake Wānaka,” Forsyth Barr Wānaka investment advisers Ben Taylor and Phil Burke said.

Festival tickets go on sale from November 1, 2023. For further information see the Ripe website.