Waiheke ferry operator Explore Group continues to make waves on the Hauraki Gulf becoming naming rights sponsor of the Waiheke Wine & Food Festival. The three year commitment to the April festival reflects Explore’s growing market share on the competitive Waiheke route and the company’s on-going support and dedication to the island community.
Explore already work closely with a number of Waiheke vineyards as part of its on board Wine of the Month promotion, and it has forged relationships with other local businesses and suppliers including stocking Wild On Waiheke’s Baroona craft beer on board its vessels.
Waiheke Winegrowers Association chairman, Craig Biggs, says they are thrilled to be working with Explore Group to develop and promote the new look festival. “The three year commitment from Explore is a long term strategic approach that will allow us to deliver an exciting festival programme that highlights Waiheke’s world class wine and food. “It’s our expectation that this partnership will allow the festival to go from strength to strength and become a must do on everyone’s festival calendar,” he says.
The festival, on April 2, is a unique opportunity to taste wines from 15 different Waiheke Island vineyards in one location at Te Motu “The Airstrip”. Many Waiheke Island food producers will also be offering tastings and selling their wares. Nathan Haines band, Aaron Carpenter & the Revelators, Rikki Morris & Chet O’Connell and Rain Dogs will be performing throughout the afternoon.
In addition to the main Festival day there will be many wine, food and music events happening at individual vineyards during the Festival week from March 30 to April 3rd.
