Festival delights wine-lovers, gastronomes

Overcast weather did little to dampen spirits as thousands gathered in Clyde yesterday for the town’s longest-running event, the annual Clyde Wine and Food Harvest Festival.

Surrounded by the historic precinct and its autumnal colours, festival-goers sampled wine, beer and food, while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and live music.

Event convener and Promote Dunstan chairwoman Julie Davie said the festival, now in its 23rd year, remained a highlight for the community over the Easter weekend.

‘‘It’s one of the only events held in a historical precinct, so it’s such a privilege to have it,’’ she said.

By early afternoon, more than 2000 people had arrived, with numbers expected to grow throughout the day.

The festival featured 18 vineyards from across the Alexandra basin, alongside a wide range of food vendors showcasing Central Otago produce.

Ms Davie said the event was a strong community effort, with the Clyde Lions Club helping set up and the local school operating the gates.

Among the stallholders was first-time attendee Paul Russell, owner of Horatio Wines, who said the day had got off to a strong start.

‘‘It’s going good — really good,’’ he said.

‘‘There’s been lots of rose in the morning which is to be expected, there’ll be red in the afternoon and we’ll just see where the evening goes.’’

Nearby, longtime participants Clyde Village Vineyard were once again pouring for the crowds.

Co-owner Chris Cockroft, who ran the vineyard with her husband John, said supporting the local event was important to them.

‘‘We’re so local and right in Clyde.

‘‘We want to support our town — it helps boost visitors and it’s great to showcase the historical buildings,’’ she said.

Their award-winning rose and pinot noir proved popular throughout the day.

Dunedin business The Port Larder was also drawing interest with a wide range of jams, chutneys, pesto and hot sauce.

Owner Di Noone said the festival created a welcoming environment for both vendors and visitors.

Ms Noone said it was her first year as a stallholder at the festival; she had visited the previous year and loved the atmosphere of the event.

‘‘It’s just being surrounded by nice, friendly people all very happy to taste and buy,’’ she said.

With wine flowing, she said spiced items such as hot sauces and chutneys had been in demand.

‘‘With all the lovely wine, I think people are wanting something with a bit of a hit on the palate.’’

Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Dunstan Hope Trust and the Clyde Fire Station.

carys.trotter@odt.co.nz