A toast to Martinborough
27/02/2013In this “old world” wine village, the small but successful Wairarapa settlement of Martinborough is home to an unsurpassed charm. Climate and soil are everything to this wine town.
Martinborough is renowned for producing premium grapes, which in turn produce world-class, award-winning wines. The international trophies abound for a region that produces just small percentage of the nation’s fine wines.
Stone-filled river terraces provide the perfect terroir for growing premium grapes with surrounding mountains protecting the area from harsh elements. The long hot and dry autumn allows the grapes a longer “hanging time” than most regions, making yields lower and increasing flavour intensity.
An event worth noting on the calendar for this region and which helped put it on the map as a weekend and tourist destination is the annual celebration of the region – Toast Martinborough, Wine, Food & Music Festival.
Always held on the third Sunday in November, Toast Martinborough brings together the unbeatable combination of premium boutique wines, outstanding food and top music in the relaxing atmosphere of a country wine village.
Scheduled for the 21st November this year, it’s a great way to enjoy the latest A toast to Martinborough vintage of Martinborough Wine and launch into summer. Festival celebrations are scattered across 11 participating vineyards, all of which are within walking distance of Martinborough village. ??Each will serve food, prepared by Wellington and Wairarapa’s finest restaurants and chefs, carefully matched to complement and enhance the winemaker’s selection, alongside live music from some of the most popular Kiwi bands and entertainers.
Every aspect of the day has been planned to create a unique Martinborough experience and ensure people enjoy themselves, says Toast Martinborough Event Manager, Kaylene Moore.
A special feature is the opportunity to sample wines specifically reserved for the festival. Visitors can wander between vineyards throughout the day or simply linger under a shady tree and enjoy the music, wine and people watching.
Transport and parking hassles are eliminated by the close proximity of vineyards and free shuttle buses running all day.??Tickets for Toast Martinborough go on sale on 6 October.
With tickets being so sought after it is recommended you join the Friends of Martinborough for preferential booking and packages available exclusively to Friends of Martinborough members.
Email toastm@toastmartinborough.co.nz
