Festival Features
Wine Seminar
12:00pm – Bio Dynamic, organic, and regenerative grape growing
Nicholas Brown is the Winemaker and co owner of Black Estate North Canterbury. This is a family owned, certified Biodynamic wine producer, making single vineyards wines. Nicholas will present a range of wines exploring Biodymanic, Organic, and regenerative wine growing and winemaking.
1:00pm – Carrick natural and summer wines
Join Carrick Winemaker Rosie Menzies, whose global experience and commitment to organics guide every bottle. Since stepping into the role of Chief Winemaker in 2020, Rosie has continued Carrick’s pursuit of purity, sustainability, and wines that speak of Bannockburn.
Today’s tasting features our Discovery Range – natural, unfiltered wines alive with texture and energy – alongside a selection of classic summer sippers that capture the freshness of the season.
2:00pm – Exploring a new sub region of North Canterbury
Alastair Maling MW began his career as a flying winemaker across Europe, South America, and South Africa, earning his Master of Wine in 2000. After returning to New Zealand, he held senior roles at Villa Maria Estate and Foley Wines before launching his own consulting business, Maling Wines, in 2021.
True to his pioneering spirit, Maling works with the Mt Beautiful vineyard in Cheviot, North Canterbury’s only vineyard in the sub-region. Today’s seminar will showcase a selection of wines from Cheviot.
3:00pm – “The Perfect Pour” Fresh picks, chilled bottles, and everything your summer glass needs.
4:00pm – Reflection in time, greywacke past meets present.
Born in Rapaura, Marlborough, Alex grew up surrounded by wine and hospitality. After studying commerce and working in kitchens and as a barista, he shifted to wine in 2016, training at Noble Rot and working in sales with Great Little Vineyards. Returning home in 2019, he joined Greywacke, focusing on textural whites, wild yeast fermentation, and barrel ageing. Outside the winery, he enjoys cricket, dirt biking, and time with his German Shepherd, Iika.
Demonstrations are free to all ticket holders and seats are available on a ‘First come, First served’ basis. Queueing for each session opens 10 minutes prior to the session start time.
Cooking Theatre
12:00 – Simon Levy – Fun Dining – The Theatre of the Kitchen
British-born chef Simon Levy, executive chef and owner of INATI in Christchurch, brings 15 years of top London kitchen experience to New Zealand. Since opening INATI with his wife Lisa in 2017, he’s blended French technique with playful innovation, earning two Cuisine Hats and multiple national awards. Rediscover the Kiwi Whitebait Sandwich – Simon’s playful, modern twist on a classic.
1:00 – ADam Harrison – Wild bites
2:00 – Jax Hamilton – Jamaican Flare for the Kiwi BBQ
Jax blends Jamaican heritage, Cockney banter, and Kiwi style into bold, rustic flavours full of umami and cheeky heat. Perfect for any meal, her dishes adapt to every palate and shine at parties. Experience the Caribbean twist with Jax’s Jamaican Jerk Chicken sliders!
3:00 – Sam Low – Modern Chinese: A uniquely kiwi fusion
Sam Low, award-winning barista, 2022 MasterChef NZ winner, and cookbook author of Modern Chinese, is a versatile MC and culinary expert. Celebrating his Chinese and queer identity, Sam brings authenticity and flair to every stage and kitchen. Ripped from the pages of Modern Chinese, he explores land and sea, merging Kiwi ingredients with Chinese flavours.
4:30 – Gary miller – Smokin’ good christmas
Gary, head of food operations at Addington Raceway, has been delighting festival-goers since the first South Island Wine & Food Festival in 2011. Known for his culinary expertise, wit, and global kitchen stories, he’s got your backyard Kiwi Christmas covered with his incredible smoked eats.
Demonstrations are free to all ticket holders and seats are available on a ‘First come, First served’ basis. Queueing for each session opens 10 minutes prior to the session start time.
Speight’s Beer Garden
Even the most avid and enthusiastic wine drinker appeareciates a palate cleansing beer from time to time, therefore head to our Speight’s Beer Garden to quench your thirst with a refreshing beer amidst the wine festivities. You can escape the grapes and hop into our Speight’s beer garden.
Beats and bubbles
Where the bubbles flow in rhythm to the beats! Come experience our Beats and Bubbles area with Cloudy Bay. Accoumpanies by top Christchurch DJs Craig Shaw and Hauswerk! Enjoy Cloudy Bay Pelorus sparkling alongside a range of their other wines.
Scapegrace
Central Otago and New Zealand’s leading distillery are making a triumphant return to the festival, armed with their luxury spirits and unmatched passion for the craft. Get ready for a lineup of bold, refreshing cocktails, expertly crafted for the occasion. Kick back and indulge in their exclusive space – where every sip is an experience!