Sir Dave Dobbyn will bring a ‘slice of heaven’ to Glendhu Bay as the headline act at Ripe – The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival on Saturday March 21, 2026.

Now in its fifth year, the festival will showcase more than 20 Central Otago wineries, alongside craft beer from Rhyme X Reason and cocktails from Scapegrace Distillery.

“Ripe is all about celebrating the region’s incredible food, wine, and people in one of the most beautiful festival locations in the country,” festival director Nathan White said. 

“To top it off with Sir Dave Dobbyn – a true Kiwi icon – makes this a very special event we can’t wait to share with everyone.”

Sir Dave, whose music career spans decades, will be supported by Christchurch band The Eastern with their high-energy folk and country style, The Relatives with a set of crowd favourites, and Wānaka local Ryan Caldwell opening the afternoon with a rocking performance.

Festival-goers enjoying Ripe 2025. Andy Woods

Alongside the music, festival-goers can expect to taste award-winning pinot noirs, refreshing rosés, crisp lagers, and cocktails, paired with dishes from some of the region’s top food producers.

Nathan said this year’s programme combines the best of Central Otago with entertainment designed to appeal to a broad audience. “We’re really proud of the mix we’ve created – people come for the wine and food, but they stay for the atmosphere and the music,” he said.

The festival has become a highlight of the region’s events calendar, bringing together wine, food, and live music at Glendhu Bay. Building on its reputation, Ripe was recently recognised with the ‘Sustainability Initiative of the Year’ award at the 2025 New Zealand Events Association Awards, acknowledging its efforts to minimise waste and deliver an environmentally responsible experience.

Organisers expect the 2026 festival to sell out, with tickets going on sale from November 1 here.

PHOTO: Supplied