The Festival began in 1992 as a fund raising event for the Anglican Parish of Glenmark-Waikari and was known as The Waipara Wine and Food Celebration.
After the success of the first event it was realised that for the event to grow and allow it to become a greater show case for the region, that additional help would be required. The Waipara Valley Wine Growers Inc., which represents the areas wineries, was asked to help organise the event and hence a long standing and successful partnership has emerged. The event was originally held on the fourth Sunday in March each year but with Easter shifting so did the event and it was decided to try alternative dates.
This year the Celebration has a new name and a new date but the unique atmosphere that has been created amongst the trees and grounds of the historic St Paul church, Glenmark, remains.
On the sloping grass, nestled against a scratchy, sweet smelling bale of pea straw, I’m having a hard time balancing my glass of wine. It threatens to topple over once again as the man leaning on the other side of my bale begins yee-hawing to the music with ear-splitting zeal: time to leave Johnny Possum and friends and investigate the source of those smoky, barbecue aromas wafting on the humid breeze.
- Amelia Norman (Read full review)
