Oodles of inspiration and fun for the foodies

PRESS RELEASE: 14 DECEMBER 2022

The 36th Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is shaping up as a feast of opportunities for both seasoned foodies and those looking to learn.

Festival Committee Chair and Marlborough grape grower Tracy Johnston describes Marlborough food as one oof the region’s best-kept secrets.

 "While Marlborough is world renowned for its wine, the food we produce here is our best kept secret.

“This is why the festival is such a unique opportunity to discover new and delightful combinations of wine and food. It is also an opportunity to discover new favourite brands and varietals especially from the wineries that don't have a cellar door or restaurant open to the public all year round.

All ticket holders have access to the Culinary Pavilion where top chefs such as Peter Gordon and Mark Southon will create masterpieces from Marlborough’s best local produce and artisan foods.

“We are delighted to be delivering the Culinary Pavilion in partnership with Feast Marlborough – they live for great food and will bring some of the best to the pavilion,” Tracy says.

There is also the option to purchase a ticket to a masterclass.

“People find that masterclasses really round out their festival experience – they are great value and designed to inspire,” Tracy says.

And of course with more than 30 wineries exhibiting, festival-goers can wander up and meet the makers and growers of award-winning wines at any time.

“The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival is a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the iconic brands and discover new first-time new boutique producers. We encourage people to have a chat and learn a little – or a lot – from the exhibitors.”

What to expect at a masterclass – the inside scoop

Sanna Stander is a winemaker for Two Rivers of Marlborough and Black Cottage Wines. She also hosted the ‘Sauvingon Blanc and Cheese’ masterclass at the 2019 and 2020 Marlborough Wine & Food Festival.

Sanna says that masterclasses are a very fun way to deepen your understanding of wine and get some great take-home tips.

“It’s such a lovely environment, and I’d really recommend giving a masterclass a go. If you like cheese, the Sauvignon Blanc and cheese masterclass is a must.

“It’s a very clever idea centred around five glasses of different wine, and a beautiful platter of cheese that the winemaker and the cheesemaker have decided are a good combination. Not only that, but the cheesemaker will often have a little unexpected condiment that will add that bit of magic and change the whole flavour profile.

“It’s fascinating but it’s definitely not serious – we have a lot of fun and people leave with inspiration and new ideas, and maybe a new favourite wine and cheese combo.”

About the 2023 masterclasses:

There are two to choose from and each is an hour long.

Celebrating 50 Years of Sauvignon Blanc (with Cheese!)

Celebrate the drop that Marlborough is world-famous for paired with wonderful artisan aged cheese. 2023 marks the 50th year anniversary since the first commercial plantings of Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough. Hosted by some of the pioneers of the Marlborough wine industry, this masterclass will give you a deep insight into the history of New Zealand’s most famous wine region.

Masterclass - Unlock your inner Winemaker

Blend your own unique glass of Marlborough Pinot Noir, perfectly suited to you! Experience the art and enjoyment of blending wine! The masterclass will be led by some of Marlborough’s best winemakers, and you will discover Marlborough’s three main grape growing subregions as well as explore the fundamentals behind wine blending.

Chef bios

Peter Gordon: Culinary guest chef, Auckland- based Peter Gordon is the pioneer of fusion food. For 40 years he’s gathered ingredients, textures and techniques from across the world’s kitchens, combining them in thrilling new ways. Peter has eight books and a roll call of award-winning restaurants to his name – such as The Sugar Club, The Providores and Tapa Room. Peter’s eclectic style of cuisine has had a global reach – he’s cooked for Barack Obama and devised recipes for Air New Zealand. In March 2020 Peter moved home to New Zealand and launched Homeland, a restaurant, cooking school and food embassy to support New Zealand producers.

 Mark Southon: After training at Michelin star restaurants in Europe, Mark Southon embarked on his culinary tour down under. From there, he landed a prestigious position at Vue de Monde – Australia's top restaurant for the past two year. He then fell in love with New Zealand, moving here to chef at our best restaurants before taking the helm at the O' Connell Street Bistro in Auckland. Mark has featured in five TV shows, most recently as resident chef of ‘The Café’ on TV3.

About the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival

New Zealand’s longest-running food and wine festival is returning in 2023 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

This will be the 36th Wine & Food Festival, bringing exciting newcomers to the fore alongside wineries that have exhibited at the festival for years – with many award-winning wines in the mix. 

Event details

• Saturday 11 February 2023

• Renwick Domain on Uxbridge Street in Renwick

• This is strictly an R18 event

• There is on-site parking and the site and facilities are mobility-friendly

• Festival bus transport between the venue and Blenheim CBD will be available

• General admission and VIP Retreat tickets are available.

• All ticket holders receive a souvenir wine glass, festival programme, access to the Culinary Pavilion and all entertainment zones. 

• Ticket holders to the VIP Retreat have access to an exclusive bar, non-alcoholic drinks, delicious food, salmon filleting tutorials and sashimi tasting and VIP toilets and coat check.

To discuss media opportunities, or to request copies of photos, please contact:

Stephanie Gray: 020 4052 4015