Popular wine festival back after 3-year hiatus
Toast Martinborough is breaking a dry spell this weekend with its return after a three-year break.
Organisers are hoping for a sell out of the popular South Wairarapa wine and food festival making its post-pandemic return on Sunday.
Event general manager Ariel Codde said with Sunday’s weather forecast looking favourable they were excited about this year’s festival.
‘‘It’s just brilliant to see it all coming together.
‘‘It is really great to be moving forward with certainty and there’s a real festive, excited atmosphere about everything.’’
Eight wineries are taking part on seven sites around the town with 20 bands booked to perform throughout the day.
‘‘Every site has their own vibe that they’re going for. There’s some great local bands, great Wellington ones and some bands that have travelled from further afield,’’ Codde said.
Participating wineries include Palliser Estate, Luna Estate at Parehua Resort, Ata Rangi Vineyard, Vynfields, Tirohana, Moy Hall and Te Kairanga joined by Martinborough Vineyard.
Nadia Lim and husband Carlos Bagrie will be featuring at various sites throughout the day, with a meet and greet in the Square and ‘in conversation’ stops at wineries.
Toast, as it is known by those familiar with the 30-year-old event, was postponed for two consecutive years due to the pandemic.