Tickets are now on sale for Ripe - The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival 2026, which will return to Glendhu Bay on Saturday, March 21 next year to celebrate its fifth birthday.

The festival will again showcase Central Otago’s finest wine, food and live music, with legendary New Zealand musician Sir Dave Dobbyn confirmed as the headline act.

Festival director Nathan White said strong pre-sales showed how much people value the Ripe experience.

“We’ve always aimed to create something truly special for Wānaka - a celebration of local food, wine and music in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand,” he said. 

“The response this year has been phenomenal, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back for what will be our biggest Ripe yet.”

Returning for 2026 is the Ripe Masterclass series, featuring three live demonstrations: Peta Mathias will prepare a French-inspired dish matched with Mora Sparkling Rosé and discuss her new book ‘It’s Been Six Months Since My Last Confession’; Domaine Thomson Wines will host a rare ‘vertical tasting’; and Angelo Georgalli will present a wild food cooking session inspired by his Fish + Game cookbook.

New for 2026 are lake cruise arrivals and luxury on-site glamping, allowing guests to travel in style and stay close to the action.

Ripe 2026 will feature 25 Central Otago wineries, local craft beers from Rhyme and Reason, cocktails by Scapegrace Distilling Co., and supporting acts The Relatives, The Eastern and Ryan Caldwell.

The event runs from 11am–6pm on Saturday, March 21, at Glendhu Bay. Tickets are available here.

Read more: Sir Dave Dobbyn to headline Ripe 2026

PHOTO: Supplied