Create your own Celebration of Wine this (would-be) Wine Festival Weekend

The second week of February is traditionally a big one for Marlborough.

For more than 30 years, we’ve spent the week putting the final touches on the iconic Marlborough Wine and Food Festival, which historically takes place on the second Saturday of February.

The Festival is the ultimate way to celebrate the beginning of the coming harvest and welcome the hundreds of international visitors who traditionally descend on the region to take part in the annual vintage.

Due to the risk covid-19 poses to our most important time of year, Wine Marlborough made the decision to cancel the 2022 Marlborough Wine & Food Festival, prior to having the decision made for us when the Government announced the nation’s move to the Red Light Setting.

Alas, all is not lost and there are still some great ways to celebrate our wonderful industry this weekend. Here are a few of the events happening around Marlborough on Saturday 12, and Sunday 13 February 2022.

Saturday 12 February

Yoga at Rock Ferry Wines, 10am - 11am
Limber up in the heart of Marlborough’s wine country with Yoga at Rock Ferry Wines. One of a series of 10 Yoga at Rock Ferry Wines sessions, each class is practiced in the comfort of their studio or among the gardens outside and is followed by a complimentary glass of sangria. Every session is different, so you needn’t have been to another session to join in. Vaccine passes mandatory and BYO mat. Book here.

Sunday 13 February

Marlborough Farmers Market, 9am - 12pm
Sample some of the region’s best produce and sip on a fresh coffee at the weekly Marlborough Farmers Market. Operating under the Red Setting, it’s the best place to get seasonal fruits, vegetables and delectable deli options. You can even have a bite to eat. Taking place at A&P Showgrounds from 9am until 12pm.

Seddon Market, 12.30pm - 3pm

Featuring South Marlborough’s best artisans and produce, the Seddon Market is held on the second Sunday of each month from November to May. It showcases a different group charity each month and aims to champion locals working hard in the community. Open from 12.30pm until 3pm at The Green at The Station, 8 Mills St, Seddon.

Tūpari Wines Masterclass, 1pm

Understanding Sav: Exploring the Awatere Influence with Winemaker Glenn Thomas

Join Glenn as he takes guests through a tasting of wines from the Awatere Valley as well as some from further away. The tasting will be an exploration of terroir, it’s influence and what makes the Awatere Valley unique. R18 Event.

This FREE event includes a sample of six wines. Bookings are essential and vaccine passes are required. Book your spot here.

Forrest Sunday Session, 10am - 4.30pm
Sample some of the best in Marlborough wine, beers by Double Vision Brewing or a soft drink with a cheese platter or a bite of Mexican from Little Amigos food truck.

Local artist Sarah Brown will provide live entertainment from 1 - 4pm, while Little Amigos will be on site from 11am until 3.30pm.

Vaccine passes will be required, alongside masks on arrival and when moving around the venue. Table service will be provided ensure social distancing.

Head along, relax and enjoy!

Prefer to go with the flow? The following Marlborough Cellar Doors are open to visit at your leisure this weekend. Please note that some may require bookings under the red light setting, so you might like to enquire ahead if you’re short on time.

Bladen Wines, Cloudy Bay - Cellar Door + Jack’s Raw Bar, bookings essential, Forrest Wines, Framingham Wines, Fromm Winery, Hunters Wines, Jackson Estate (Saturday), Nautilus Estate, Rock Ferry Wines, Wairau River Wines, Whitehaven Wines, Wither Hills, Yealands Estate.

Some of our cellar doors close early to prepare for harvest. This weekend, 12 and 13 February will be your last opportunity to visit both Fromm Winery and Yealands Estate this season, while Forrest Wines, Framingham Wines and Rock Ferry Wines will close for the season later this month.