A sparkling guide to events surrounding Toast Martinborough

Toast Martinborough’s new date on 19 January makes the celebration of the area’s wine industry even better. If you’re from Wellington, you can extend your stay and enjoy classic Wairarapa hospitality over a long weekend. The refreshed festival has a great selection of events, all geared towards making Toast weekend as tasty as possible. 

If you think the weekend is all about wine, then think again. The Lighthouse Gin Garden Party is held the day before Toast on 18 January and is the perfect start to the weekend. You’ll join head distiller Rachel Hall, who has designed some special cocktails just for the event. Enjoy in the shaded gardens of The Runholder Cottage. There’ll be food trucks, charcuterie platters with local cheeses, live music, and dancing.   

If you’re looking to marry up your thirst for knowledge and fine tastes, then check out the Tree to Table Olive Grove Tour. Olivo is an olive grove and olive oil producer in Martinborough. The team is offering 90-minute tours each day from 17 to 20 January. You’ll learn about the olive year from a tree’s perspective, picking and pressing, and learn to taste like a professional. There are also suggested recipes so you can utilise the infused oils you’ll taste.

 

The Runholder is celebrating the opening of Toast Martinborough with an Opening Night Gala Dinner. You’ll experience an evening of fine food and music in collaboration with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO). The Runholder welcomes a string quintet of NZSO musicians performing upbeat Latin pieces. Listen while you enjoy a summer feast of fresh Wairarapa produce prepared by The Runholder’s chef Tim Smith and his culinary team. 

Ambience is always improved with good music. For Toast Martinborough on 19 January, the six participating wineries have curated a quality crew of DJs, bands, and singers. If you’re looking for DJs, try DJ Pet at Ata Rangi, or DJ Coda & Jen Kyle at The Runholder. Wellington band Sea Mouse will bring their mix of garage rock and blues to Luna Estate, while visitors to Poppies will sway to the groove of saxophonist Poks. Moy Hall hosts five-piece band Winsome Lost. Their folksy twist on covers includes fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and harp. There’s another covers band, this time at Tirohana Estate. The Satisfactions give a groovy treatment to songs of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. All the wineries have multiple music acts playing so be sure to check out the full list.