The countdown to The Waikato Times Food and Wine Festival (16th & 17th February 2013) has officially begun! Tickets are now on sale at Ticketek at just $15 per adult* (early bird discount price).

If you’ve already bought your ticket, congratulations!!— On Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th February you and other festival-goers will be treated to a wonderful weekend of food, wine and music. Award-winning wines, delicious food, awesome entertainment, all in a stunning new setting; what more could you ask for?

As you may have heard already, we’ve made a few changes this year. They reflect our continuing commitment to this iconic event and to providing a fantastic day out for all. The biggest change this year is … we are moving! … Yes!

We are moving to Claudelands Green, in front of the Historic Claudelands Grandstand.

It’s a beautiful site for our growing event, offering  masses of parking under shady willows, covered seating in the historic grandstand, tons of space for picnics and seating, a handy children’s play area, plus easy access to the city, taxis and buses.

So come and enjoy The Waikato Times Food and Wine Festival, in its brand new home on Claudelands Green, and savour delicious cuisine, live entertainment, including jazz, blues and soul, while strolling among the festival’s many and varied stalls and exhibitors.

Bring a picnic rug, sun umbrella and chairs and settle in for the day. From fabulous wine tastings — to tasty morsels prepared by Waikato’s leading restaurants, foodies and chefs — you will enjoy a leisurely and entertaining, gastronomic adventure.

Families can enjoy the adjacent children’s play ground, while serious “foodies” can spend time in the Kitchen Things Cooking Theatre where leading chefs will be demonstrating their skills.

All this played out against a backdrop of the Historic Claudelands Grandstand and wonderful music provided by local and overseas guest artists, including back by popular demand the Canadian Jazz musician — Jan Preston.

The Waikato Times Food and Wine Festival has a well established reputation among wine and food lovers as the place to be (this year on the second weekend in February). With such a great programme planned and many new exhibitors, we can promise a fun day out for everyone. Check out our website for more information and the kitchen programme closer to the event (www.waikatotimes.co.nz) 

Buy your ticket before December 25th for early bird discount prices— they are on sale now through Ticketek (and what a great idea for a Christmas gift!)

Remember, your bag might be inspected when you arrive — so please don’t bring any food and drink with you, as it will be confiscated and is there is a huge variety available just inside the gates. Do pack a sun umbrella and picnic rug and join us for — an opportunity to sample and savour some of the best wine and food that this beautiful country and region has to offer.

We look forward to seeing you!