Waiheke wine for Waitangi
What better way to finish the summer season than by enjoying Waitangi weekend on Waiheke Island at The Waiheke Wine Festival!
A special three day celebration of the fruits of this unique island with its sub-tropical climate, perfect soil and dedicated award winning internationally acclaimed growers is aimed at those who take their wine seriously and appreciate good food matched with fine wine.
Isola Estate and Langham Hotels International are the major sponsors of the festival with Isola Estate sponsoring the Long Lunch –a sumptuous six course degustation style menu, served undercover and matched with local wines.
“We are pledging our site fee income back to The Waiheke Wine Growers Association to assist with the cost of the Vineyards’ participation,” Brent Gibson, of Isola Estate, told Business to Business.
“Isola Estate is working very closely with the Wine Growers Association to further profile our already established Island of Wine Image.
“The association through its Chairman Chris Canning has been proactive in contracting the services of Empire Events, a very well known and well respected Event Marketing and PR company (who were responsible for the very successful Devonport Wine and Food Festival) to promote our event.
“The decision to host the Festival at Isola Estate consolidates the partnership between Isola Estate, The Langham Vineyard Resort and Spa and The Waiheke Winegrowers Association.”
The event will take place on 6,7, and 8 February 2009, and offers three different elements over the three days. Following the Long Lunch kick off, the Festival will start properly on the Saturday with a chance to sample and buy some of the best wines produced on the island, matched with delicious local food accompanied by some great music on the two entertainment stages. Sunday offers the chance to relax with some soulful jazz at the Sunday Brunch.
“We’re delighted that the Island of Wine once again has a major showcase for the highly acclaimed and award winning wines produced on Waiheke. What’s also important in this event is its appeal to those serious about their enjoyment of fine wine. It’s a festival where wine comes first, food second and music third,” President of the Waiheke Winemakers Association, Chris Canning said.
Event Organiser Kathy Cunningham, of Empire PR, added that while music might not come first the quality and calibre of the musicians will be high.
“This is the perfect way to spend Waitangi weekend. Why not do the stunning sculpture walk on Friday morning then the Waiheke Wine Festival Long Lunch. Indulge your senses on Saturday at the festival proper with great music from local and international artists. On Sunday you can attend the Onetangi Beach Race then chill out at the Festival Sunday brunch.”