Martinborough Unmasked goes behind scenes
06 Oct 2011
Martinborough Unmasked
10 - 11 October 2011
A leading New Zealand boutique wine-producing region is opening its doors to rugby tourists with a rare behind-the-scenes festival event that’s set to reveal some inner secrets.
Martinborough Unmasked - a first-time two-day event that’s part of the nationwide REAL New Zealand Festival running alongside the Rugby World Cup Tournament - is due to take place next week (10 / 11.10.2011).
The event, which is based around the Martinborough wine village, just north of Wellington, is timed to follow the RWC quarter finals in Wellington.
Wine tasting
The Wairarapa wine region, renowned for producing high quality pinot noir, is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
Many vineyards are within walking distance of Martinborough village so visitors can stroll or cycle between wineries.
Ten Martinborough vineyards, olive groves and producers have combined to provide a glimpse of what really happens behind the scenes and provide the opportunity to meet people responsible for creating some of New Zealand’s luxury food and wine products.
The free events will include vertical wine tastings in Palliser Vineyard’s underground cellar, a tour of an eco planting project with Ata Rangi founder and conservationist Clive Paton, and a lesson on pruning olive trees at Olivo.
Visitors are also invited to explore local food, produce and beverages - including wine, gin, cider, beer, cheese, olive oil and sausages - at two early evening after-parties in Settlers Bar at the Martinborough Hotel.
Tickets can be pre-purchased for an all-day shuttle bus service ($35) that will circulate between locations and events. Wine-tasting charges will vary between vineyards.
‘Sneak Peeks’ on the menu
- Grafting grape vines at Julicher Vineyard
- Vertical wine tasting in Palliser Estate’s underground cellar
- Pruning olive trees at Olivo
- Taste and see artist Ann Brodie painting the Brodie Estate 2010 vintage
- Tour the barrel room and taste Escarpment Vineyard’s 2011 vintage
- Visit ‘Project Crimson’ with Ata Rangi founder Clive Paton
- ‘Harnessing yeasts’ with Te Kairanga’s chief winemaker
- Roll the sleeves up for a tour of Vynfields biodynamic compost heap
- Partake in ‘Barrel Education 101’ at Martinborough Vineyard
- Hear why German expats Kai and Marion of Schubert chose Martinborough
Background: Wairarapa region
Wairarapa - renowned for producing high quality pinot noir, and aromatics such as riesling and pinot gris - is at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
The region has many boutique accommodation options, and a vibrant café and dining scene. Artisan food producers offer a range of delicacies from gourmet bread, to chocolate, cheese and olive oil.
Martinborough and Greytown are popular destinations for foodies looking for a restaurant or café, or a food and wine tour that goes behind the scenes to meet producers and sample local produce.
Toast Martinborough wine festival is an annual sell-out event attracting a crowd of 10,000 wine-lovers for the November romp around the vineyards and wineries surrounding the village.
Greytown is a Victorian village offering sophisticated shopping. The region is also home to Tui Brewery, a Kiwi icon with museum, café and tours.
Nature and wildlife attractions include the Cape Palliser seal colony, rare native bird species at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, and many nature tracks.
More information
Classic New Zealand Wine Trail
Wairarapa region
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