A laidback, sleepy, sheep-farming valley turns into a passionate wine making arena during the annual Gibbston Harvest Festival in Queenstown, New Zealand held in March on the third Saturday of the month. It does not fail to attract everyone from professional connoisseurs to simple wine appreciating enthusiasts to indulge a taste of the exquisite produce made by small boutique wineries, local vineyards and many a fine food establishment that are spread about the area. The festival is celebrated to mark the harvest of wine from Gibbston and to salute and toast the spirit of the community that has turned itself into a high profile winemaking body!
This festival not only celebrates the Central Otago wines and the grape harvest produced by vineyards and wineries in Gibbston, but it also caters towards providing an ideal family day out suited for all ages. Activities such as tasting food and wine, bouncy castles, barrel rolling, face painting and master classes on food appreciation and wine tasting will be hosted throughout the day.
The event is a non-profit fundraiser with profits going to the Queenstown Soccer Club. The ambience is relaxed and there is fun and music galore to keep up the momentum and keep you on your feet. There are generally several food providers and at least twelve wineries participating, while you also have the option of bringing your own picnic food that can be enjoyed in the open air grounds.
Gibbston Harvest Festival offers families a chance to also enjoy the country’s stunning natural beauty and its rich and diverse landscapes. Enjoy fun adventures amidst awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, picturesque lakes and picture postcard like vistas which will let you truly appreciated nature in all its splendour.
Those looking for a convenient base from which to visit this festival can stay at New Zealand hotels in Queenstown such as those offered by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ. This reputed name in the hospitality industry also offers a range of New Zealand hotel deals that let you get the most from your stay, be it a family holiday, couples getaway of independent adventure. In addition you are also offered well placed accommodation that let you explore the country’s various regions and all they have to offer.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.