Vintage stuff at the Waiheke Island Wine Festival!

Vintage stuff at the Waiheke Island Wine Festival!

The fourth annual Waiheke Island Wine Festival yesterday was rated the best ever.

Held at Isola Estate in the heart of Onetangi’s Vineyard Valley surrounded by vines, olive trees and a tranquil island vista, the island’s famous clear blue skies this really came up trumps.

The festival included the largest number of Waiheke vineyards ever in a single location showcasing over 100 wines, great catering food, outstanding Kiwi music and a `full house’ of 4500 wine and food enthusiasts.

Don McGlashan, Dave Dobbyn, in his festival debut, and The Beat Girls were unstoppable with a colourful and energetic performance. Festival goers just lapped it up and danced the day away.

For the first time a sculpture exhibition was included. Festival manager Rose France said the art component to the event would be expanded next year.

“Our wine and cuisine-loving audience have a special appreciation of the arts, one of our foundation sponsors Hesketh Henry share a passion for sculpture and with Waiheke Island home to Sculpture on the Gulf and so many wonderful artists, the fit is a natural one,’’ she said.

In the words of one attendee, the said: ``bring it on for 2007”.
The Waiheke event is recognised as the best boutique wine festival of its kind in New Zealand.

Ends

Copyright 2006 Word of Mouth Media NZ

© Scoop Media