Ripe returns to Wānaka with Black Seeds to headline

Internationally renowned eight-piece band The Black Seeds will headline Ripe - The Wānaka Wine and Food festival that returns to Glendhu Bay on March 23, 2024.

Now in its third year, Ripe showcases Central Otago’s finest wine and food producers alongside world-class entertainment, in a spectacular location offering unrivalled views of Lake Wānaka and the surrounding mountains.

Event director Nathan White says the 2024 event will be bigger and better than ever.

Central Otago wineries and food vendors will be at Ripe in March, serving up tasty food and wine matchings (Image: Supplied/Andy Woods).

“We’ll feature premium wineries such as Amisfield, Gibbston Valley and Cloudy Bay alongside a range of boutique wineries and food vendors from across Central Otago, including Artisan Catering Arrowtown and The Stoaker Room Wānaka.

“We’re also thrilled to have secured headline act The Black Seeds, one of New Zealand’s most-loved bands. We have a fantastic lineup and to see out the day and get the crowd singing along we’ve got local cover legends Mojo.”

Ben Taylor and Phil Burke of Forsyth Barr Wānaka – the festival presenting partner – say Ripe has established itself as a major event attracting both a local and national audience.

“We are proud to be the presenting partner of this amazing event that showcases the premium wine and food of the Otago region in a setting of stunning natural beauty on Lake Wānaka.

“Ripe continues to grow and has become a major annual event for both locals and visitors to the area. The 2024 festival is shaping up to be the best yet.”

A major drawcard for visitors and locals is the opportunity to stay across the road from the festival at the iconic Glendhu Bay lakefront holiday park. Event organisers advise people to reserve any accommodation early as sites book up quickly.

Meanwhile, festival tickets go on sale from November 1.

In addition to 25 wine and 15 food vendors, highlights of the 2024 event will include:

• A jam-packed music line-up: including The Black Seeds as headliners

• Maude Wine Lounge: VIP area offering a welcome drink and canapé with four walk-‘n-fork style canapés and private wine bar

• Wine and Dine with Akarua: VIP area with canapés on arrival followed by a three-course sit down meal with matching Akarua wines

• Quartz Reef Wines Showcase: featuring masterclasses with three of New Zealand’s leading female sommeliers, plus more to be announced

• Glendhu Social Club by Scapegrace Distilling CO: Cocktail Bar serving cocktails made with Scapegrace’s handcrafted artisan products

• Brews x Views by Rhyme x Reason serving RxR’s popular range of locally brewed craft beer

Visit www.ripewanaka.nz to sign up to the Ripe newsletter and gain access to pre-release specials and deals.

Main image (Supplied/Andy Woods): The Ripe food and wine festival occupies a lakeside site at Glendhu Bay near Wānaka.