The Biggest, Little, Best Wine and Food Celebration in the Country is Back!
The Waipara Wine & Food Celebration 2006 is happening on Sunday 26 March in the grounds of the historic Glenmark Church at Waipara,
starting at 10am and winding up in late afternoon.
Event organiser, Jill Sherwood says that feedback from last year’s event was unanimous in that the 2005 wine and food
celebration had been the best to date. “We’re confident that this year will be even better,” says Jill. “We are limited
for space, that’s a fact of life, but it’s also part of the unique charm of the Waipara celebration,” Jill explains.
“Everything is right there under the trees and because it is so compact, it’s our job as the organisers to make best use
of the available space by ensuring we choose our participants carefully so we can truly reflect the very best that the
region has to offer.”
This year there will be 16 of the regions leading wineries in attendance, along with 20 food stalls that will be
offering a wide range of tasty treats. “Last year a huge amount of food was sold. In fact,” says Jill, “many of the
stall holders were caught short simply because of the numbers that came. That’s why we’d advise people to get their
tickets early this year. That way we can gain an estimate of likely numbers, and make sure that there’s plenty of food
to last throughout the day.”
The entertainment for the gala Celebration, while still being confirmed, will definitely include the popular Izzy Miller
Bell Band featuring Izzy’s unique brand of jazz-blues. Deborah Hardcastle, a top vocalist from Nelson will be in ballad
mode with master guitarist Jon Maxim Hooker. Tribalincs, a local version of Fat Freddy’s Drop will be there, as will
James Wilkinson, regarded nationally as one of our most brilliant guitarists. Joseph I King will be presenting his own
brand of reggae - so perfect for a summer’s day under the trees, and Maria Jean, whose vocal prowess has been likened to
Tori Amos and PJ Harvey, will appear along with the Support Group Junkies. Martin Setchell who filled the cool of the
Glenmark Church last year with the lush sound of the historic church’s organ will reprise his performance offering “Bon
bons for Organ” this year.
Tickets for the Waipara Wine & Food Celebration can be purchased in advance from Ticketek (booking fee may apply) Ballantynes, Vino Fino, Selected
Liquor Outlets, Nor’Wester Café, Pukeko Junction and Waipara Valley Wineries for $20 adult, children under 18 free. Gate
sales on the day will be $25 adult.
ENDS