The next few months are full of many varied and interesting events, designed to entertain us through the season. This ‘Eventful Summer Guide’ highights some of the major events, so be sure you don’t miss out on what’s going on in Summer through to Autumn.
All the fun of the Martinborough Fair 6 February & 6 March
The next Martinborough Fairs may not be until the first Saturdays in February and March, but months of planning have already gone into making sure that both visitors and stallholders have a rewarding time at the Fair.
The Fairs are run by the Rotary Club of South Wairarapa, who use them as their major annual project to raise funds for year-round local and international charitable, educational and environmental initiatives.
When all the “workers” do their job well, fairgoers are never aware of the effort that’s taken place as they fill their shopping baskets with quality crafts, munch on fresh delicacies or stock the pantry and the garden for the winter from the 460 colourful stalls.
There are just ten people on the Rotary Fair Committee, each tasked with a portfolio such as “Publicity” or “Traffic Safety”. Other tasks include allocating and invoicing the stall sites, providing trestle tables, running the Fair radio station, updating the internet site at www.martinboroughfair.org.nz, measuring and marking-out stall sites and – crucially – providing and constantly maintaining sufficient loos for the 25,000 visitors expected at each Fair.
On the actual day of each Fair, roads around Martinborough’s famous Square are closed for space and safety, and every Rotarian is on site in an important role – whether it be locating lost children, directing traffic, emptying rubbish bins, running the information desk, providing security or feeding the dozens of volunteers.
Unusual plants, gourmet foods, and unique designer garments will again be among the offerings at the 2010 Rotary Martinborough Country Fairs. Held on the first Saturday of February and March (and never cancelled by weather), the Fairs attract enthusiasts who wander among the more that 460 stalls seeking traditional, rare or unique bargains and treasures.
Spaced through the streets of the township, and clustered under the trees of the famous Square, the stalls are selected for a wide variety of quality offerings from all over New Zealand.
Admission is free for Fair visitors. Local churches and schools benefit by supplying parking for a modest fee, and all the town’s side streets offer free parking.
For further information please contact Heather March (06 308 8591) or Lesley Christian (06 308 9468).
The Meandering Vineyard Lunch - 23 January 2010
Four family-owned boutique vineyards, fine wine, delicious food and great music. For the fifth year running, the Meandering Vineyard Lunch is being held on Wellington Anniversary weekend. Board your bus in the Square for a late morning start and indulge!
At each vineyard, meet the winemakers, taste their wines and enjoy food to complement your choice. Musical entertainment will be provided at each stop with delicious food prepared by Des Britten and friends, Events Cuisine, Rolling Stoves and The Village Café.
Tickets are $135 and available now from the four participating vineyards - Coney Wines This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Croft Wines This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Julicher Estate This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Te Hera Vineyard This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it - also at The Martinborough Wine Centre or Wine Seeker Wellington (86 Victoria St). There are also a limited number of seats by bus from Wellington for $25 return - these must be pre-booked.
MainARTery Exhibition - January 23-25
MainARTery Exhibition to be held over Wellington Anniversary weekend 23rd - 25th January at Left-Field Gallery.
Check out www.mainartery.co.nz for a list of artists.
TK Day - Sunday 24 January
More great wine, food and music at Te Kairanga Wines on Anniversary Sunday. Gates open at 10:30, music from 11am - 5pm. Delicious food available courtesy of Providore Food and Catering or bring a picnic.
The music will begin with Harbour City Electric - a 7-piece band who have created their unique sound from an array of influences ranging from Motown Soul and Funk to Hip-Hop. Later, Soul Estate will take the stage - a collective comprising some of NZ’s finest musicians who deliver a repertoire of Motown, Disco Soul and Jazz. The afternoon’s entertainment will be rounded off by Bella Kalolo, a bold and dedicated performer with a soulful style packed with passion and integrity.
Entry by ticket only (no gate sales). These are available from the Cellar Door ((06) 306 9122 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . $35 for adults, $5 for children.
Jazz and Blues at Te Kairanga Vineyard February 6 & March 6
Timed to coincide with the 2010 Martinborough Fairs (February 6th and March 6th) and Easter Sunday (April 4th), Te Kairanga is hosting a series of jazz and blues afternoons. Running from 1:30 - 5pm on each of these dates, the performers are the Cool Cats Jazz Quartet (Feb 6th), Tess O’Hara (March 6th) and the legendary Pat McKenna Bluegrass Band (April 4th)
As is customary, new release wines will be available for tasting on Easter Sunday. For more information, contact Te Kairanga (06) 306 9122 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Martinborough Town & Country Home & Garden Tour - March 27
Stylists, gardeners and fashionistas, here’s a rare chance to visit seven fabulous private homes and gardens. On Saturday 27th March, 2010, seven of Martinborough’s most exclusive properties will be opened to the public from 10 in the morning to 5pm.
This is not simply a garden tour, but an opportunity to explore the interiors of homes, ranging from the award-winning contemporary architecture of Chris Kelly to the lovingly maintained properties of Martinborough’s founding families.
Archdeacon May Croft of St Andrews said she is overwhelmed at the owners’ generosity; “I just think people have been incredible, opening their homes like this, and I know those who come will enjoy the hospitality this community is renowned for. I’ll be praying for a fine Wairarapa day.”
Visitors will feast their eyes on contemporary New Zealand artworks, European furnishings, theme-decorated tableware, water features, and wander through Mediterranean olive groves, extraordinary gardens and outdoor sculptures. Not one of these properties has ever previously been open for public viewing, and their identities will not be revealed until ticket-holders are issued with colour brochures to guide them through the tour.
In addition to viewing seven properties, a vineyard and two homes with park-like grounds have been made available for a leisurely lunch. St Andrews Church will also be decorated with a wedding theme for viewing.
The tour is being coordinated by Helen Campbell, ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), to raise funds for major extensions and refurbishments for the historic St Andrews Anglican Church hall in Martinborough. All funds raised from the tour will benefit the entire community because the hall is already used every weekday by community groups. The refurbishment will make it a more versatile and attractive venue for a wider range of activities and events.
Tickets at $65 each are limited, and include a gourmet picnic lunch by Providore served in a vineyard or tranquil garden setting, with live music. Martinborough wines, and non-alcoholic beverages, will be sold by the glass. All proceeds will go to the Martinborough St Andrews Anglican Church hall renovations.
Tour will be held wet or fine, no refunds, no children, babies, or dogs. Visit www.townandcountry.ediy.co.nz to purchase tickets, or phone Helen Campbell on 06 306 9851.
Round the Vines Fun Run/Walk - 21 March
On Saturday 21st March, Martinborough Wine Village will come alive to the sound of thousands of shoes running, walking and strolling through the 15th Annual Round the Vines fun run/walk.
Round the Vines has been attracting participants for 15 years, to come and enjoy mixing fitness with pleasure.
‘The day is inspired by the famous Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, renowned for its party atmosphere and flamboyant fancy dress” says event organiser, Jackie Steventon. “It’s not unusual to be overtaken by groups of pirates, male ballerinas and the cast of Cinderella! In fact, fancy dress is encouraged, and the best costumes are rewarded with fabulous prizes.
Starting and finishing at Martinboroughs unique ‘Union Jack’ Town Square, this truly unique course takes you around Martinborough Wine Village and through many of the surrounding vineyards. Catering for everyone from the seriously fit to the recreational walker, there are four entry options. The 10km walk being the most popular with families and teams and the 21km run for the more serious contestants.
There’s plenty of live music along the way to encourage and entertain you. Drink stations are strategically placed and offer complimentary wine, watermelon and water.
“The day is truly a celebration - fun, fitness and fine wine” says another one of the volunteers. “For me, the most rewarding part of the event is seeing all the families taking part, with strollers and little kids walking with their parents, or teenagers racing their mum and dad – just great.”
Round the Vines really does Tick all the Boxes!! When else do you get to do all this!! A family day out in the country - meander through the vineyards, have time to enjoy the scenery, dress up with your children, sample fantastic wine, get some exercise, enjoy live music & kids entertainment, have a chance to win a fabulous array of great prizes while supporting a good cause (all proceeds go to Martinborough School)
Pre–registration is recommended. Entry forms are available at the Martinborough I Site or you can register on line –
www.roundthevines.co.nz
Round the Vines is organized entirely by volunteers of Parents from Martinborough School. All proceeds go towards funding Teacher aids and resources for the children of Martinborough School.
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