It has been a good number of years since Wanaka hosted a wine and food festival but that’s set to change. Central Otago’s acclaimed wine and food will take centre stage in Wanaka next year with the launch of Ripe, a new festival for the region.

Designed to celebrate the Central Otago viticulture industry and local culinary scene, Ripe will feature up to twenty wine producers plus a range of restaurant style vendors prepared to match their food with the wines. There will also be a couple of local microbrewers on hand for those who like the choice of a beer or non-alcoholic beverage. 

Otago Event Planning owner and Wanaka local Nathan White said the celebration of Central Otago’s wine and food is “long overdue” and he’s deliberately chosen Otago Anniversary weekend for the date. 

“There’s a need for Central Otago wineries to be the dedicated focus of their own annual event,” he said, “and the long weekend will attract people from around the region to come to Wanaka.”

“The goal is to become one of the premium wine events in the country with people returning year on year.”

“Ripe is about the passion and energy for the best wine and food of our region and our country,” Nathan said, “and we want to celebrate this while bringing a much-needed boost to the local economy.” 

Local cheese makers will feature at Ripe, together with vendors from local restaurants, such as Hook. 

Vineyards such as Maude, Amisfield, Māori Point, Ceres, Mishas and Akarua are among many of the Central Otago wineries who have already signed up for the festival, supported by food from the likes of The Stoaker Room and Hook, plus beers from Wanaka brewery bEffect.

Attendees will not only be able to enjoy tastings but will also be able to purchase wines to take home at the end of the event.

Corbridge Estate, near Wanaka Airport, was selected as the venue because its “unique setting will create a really memorable event,” Nathan said. In addition to its Woolshed venue, there’s also capacity for a large marquee, a stage and plenty of parking.

Nathan said while the event’s niche market was aimed at 30 to 60-year-olds with an interest in good wine and food, there will also be musical entertainment and space for picnics for those wanting to bring the family.

Ripe will also host celebrity chef Nadia Lim and live music from the Jordan Luck Band as part of the festival’s entertainment line-up. There will be only a limited number of tickets available for Nadia’s cooking demonstrations, however. 

More vineyards, producers, special guests and entertainers will be announced next month, Nathan said.

“It’s baby steps for year one but we still want this first year to be amazing, the very best we can make it.”

Tickets can be bought online here.

Also available will be transport and accommodation packages for attendees not local to the district, and buses have been arranged for Wanaka, Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra for those who don’t want to drive.

Ripe will be held at Corbridge Estate on Sunday, March 21 starting at 11:00am.  

PHOTOS: Andy Woods Photography