Sparkling musical line up for winery tour

Gin Wigmore, Avalanche City and The Mutton Birds will headline next year's summer winery tour in Tauranga.

The Winery Tour will have its fourth instalment at Tauranga's Wharepai Domain on February 10 with Classic Hits replacing More FM as the main sponsor.

Co-promoter Brent Eccles said the tour promised to be one of the best yet.

"This will be our fourth year at Wharepai Domain with the winery tour. It's a great venue, it's right in the heart of the city and it's always a highlight. We are thrilled, as always, to bring the Classic Hits Winery Tour 2012 to one of our favourite destinations."

The gig reunites The Mutton Birds, famed for songs like Anchor Me, Dominion Rd and a remake of The Fourmyula's Nature. It has been 20 years since the release of The Mutton Birds' self titled debut album and 10 years since their last show.

Frontman Don McGlashan looked forward to reuniting with the band.

"A band is more than just a bunch of musicians. When it really works, there's a magic there which is more than the sum of its parts. That's certainly the way it was with the Mutton Birds, and it's going to be great to take the beast out of the garage again and make the gravel fly."

Wigmore will also feature, on the heels of the release her sophomore album Gravel & Wine.

"I grew up as a big fan of Don and The Mutton Birds so I'm excited to be on tour with them. And Avalanche City are so hot right now. It's a great bill. We're on the road for a month in summer and I can't wait to play in some of New Zealand's most spectacular outdoor settings and drink a few glasses of wine on this legendary tour."

Apra Silver Scroll winner Avalanche City completes the Kiwi lineup.

Avalanche City's Dave Baxter, who was raised in Tauranga, said he had always wanted to play on the Winery Tour.

"It's so cool to be playing alongside Gin and The Mutton Birds, they're Kiwi legends".

"I'm bringing my six piece band with me - it's going to be awesome".

The Winery Tour kicks off with its 78th show at Ascension Wine Estate in Matakana on February 3 and concludes at Villa Maria Estate in Auckland on March 3.

Early bird tickets are available from November 7-30 for $59 per adult. Children under 12 are given free entry when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.

More information is available at www.winerytour.co.nz.