If there's one thing I love more than finding cold chicken in the fridge it's finding out there's a food and wine festival on the way. Indeed, one certainly doesn't obtain thighs like mine without attending at least half a dozen wine and food festivals every year that's for sure.
So,
on January 29, I'll be lacing up my thirsty shoes and high-tailing it to State Highway 50 for the smorgasbord of winey, foodie, musical treats at the Hawke's Bay Wine and Food Festival.
A whole day of happily trying to simultaneously sip your wine, shriek at your friends, shake your bum to the music and avoid dropping scallop kebabs down your front.
The festival site sits smack bang in the middle of the famous Gimblett Gravels region and the views are sensational. But a word to the wise - don't go wandering off into the vineyards to connect with nature during the festivities because chances are the vines will be covered in those nets which stop pesky birdlife from gorging on those precious grapes.
Take it from someone who's had to be rescued on numerous embarrassing occasions after snagging more than her fair share of strappy sandals, chunky jewellery and the odd limb - that those nets are evil.
They lie in wait, hoping to snare a wobbly passerby who'll end up flailing around like a trapped fly who has to be extricated from her predicament by handsome young vineyard workers in front of her sniggering friends and insensitive strangers who waste no time posting the scene on YouTube.
The memories are still raw.
But for those of you looking for a bit of a learned approach to the festivities there will also be four fun and informative workshops offering you the chance to upskill with the experts.
Join senior winemaker Tony Bish of Sacred Hill Wines in a syrah vs shiraz workshop which pits a selection of Hawke's Bay's finest syrah's against their Australian counterparts and discover why the Kiwis are beating the Aussies at their own game.
There are also two workshops which will provide an opportunity to experience the pairing of chef and winemaker.
"We are delighted to be bringing festival-goers a kaimoana workshop with chef Jeremy Rameka of Pacifica Restaurant," says festival organiser Carol-Ann Stubbs. "Attendees will watch as Jeremy produces exquisite seafood dishes and enjoy the sampling of these dishes, matched with Esk Valley Estate Wines."
The Esk experience will be presented by winemaker Gordon Russell, who will take you on a journey through his wines, their individual characteristics and how their qualities pair with the seafood dishes.
Clearview Estate's workshop will showcase the "essence of Clearview". Join Clearview Estate Winery's head chef, Kerry MacKay, and winemaker Tim Turvey, who will share their knowledge of and passion for the art of food and wine matching.
There will also be a vertical tasting with a difference.
Join Hawke's Bay's own "Omelette Icon", Ian Thomas, for an entertaining and amusing look at eggs. Ian is a hilarious entertainer and expert when it comes to the egg.
He will take you through a culinary journey - from the smallest egg to the biggest - showing you how to produce some delicious recipes matched with wines and, of course, you eat the results. If a few drinks brings out your competitive instincts then register for the corporate wine challenge.
Hosted by wine specialist Geoff Wilson, it's a team event which will pit business against business in a blind tasting to identify Hawke's Bay wines by variety, vintage and producer. Teams of four will be given a limited time to identify a selection of red and white wines and come up with their answers.
"We thought we'd mix it up a bit and add a competitive edge to the day of wine and food appreciation," Carol-Ann Stubbs says.
"Last year some of the more dedicated wine connoisseurs suggested that we add something along these lines and we were delighted to be able to secure the skills of Geoff Wilson to host the event."
Prizes include case lots of Hawke's Bay wine and a corporate lunch at Vidals Restaurant for the winning team.
There's also an engraved trophy for the challenge winners.
The challenge is limited to the first 30 teams. Non-corporate and social teams are welcome. Entry is only $200 for a team of four and includes festival passes, entry to the challenge and tastings.
Tickets are available only from the Hawke's Bay Wine & Food Festival website or by contacting the event managers on 0508 946326 or by emailing hbwineandfoodfestival@xtra.co.nz
Experts man workshops at food and wine festival
If there's one thing I love more than finding cold chicken in the fridge it's finding out there's a food and wine festival on the way. Indeed, one certainly doesn't obtain thighs like mine without attending at least half a dozen wine and food festivals every year that's for sure.
So,
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