It is yet to come of age but already Ripe — The Wanaka Wine and Food Festival has the makings of a quality vintage.
The celebration of Central Otago food and wine producers held its second event at Glendhu Station on Saturday after Covid-19 forced its cancellation in 2022.
A crowd of around 2800 people from throughout Wanaka, Central Otago and Dunedin attended the boutique event, laying out the picnic blankets and deck chairs to listen to the entertainment, food and wine masterclasses and taste the region’s bounty.
Wanaka man Andrew Quinn said Ripe was "good fun" and "very well done".
He camped with friends at Glendhu Bay Motor Camp and said it was a good opportunity to get everyone together.
"It’s so easy — we have a few drinks, walk back, have a barbecue, wake up tomorrow and jump in the lake."
Chris Symons, of Wanaka, was full of praise for the event, saying it was "fabulous".
"It’s absolutely amazing," she said.
She had enjoyed a "really interesting" masterclass with Quartz Reef winemaker Rudi Bauer and was sampling food from the Hungarian bread food vendor.
"It’s amazing — it was obviously a tough year for events, and everyone, last year, so to have this back on the radar, and it’s very popular so people have been missing it obviously.
"We picked the perfect day, and yeah, everyone’s having a good time so we’re happy," he said.
"[There’s] plenty of space, really relaxed atmosphere, no queues, everyone is eating good food, having good wine, sun’s out and couldn’t do much better really.
"If you’re not here, you’re missing out, this is just going to keep getting better and better."
Plans were already under way for next year’s event, which would continue at Glendhu Station.
Mr White said he started Ripe in 2021 to bring attention to the "world class" wine that was produced in Central Otago.
"[Central Otago is] almost like an underdog you know — small region, small producers but punching way above its weight and making these world-class wines — and getting better and better, and winning more and more awards.
"It’s not just pinot noir which we’re known for, it’s all our methodes, chardonnays, sauvignons — like taking on Marlborough and the other regions, for sure."
