Performers ready to toast Martinborough

Wine buffs and foodies are set to enjoy an "old-school carnival" atmosphere at this year's 20th Toast Martinborough.

The programme for the iconic Wairarapa event was unveiled this week, with 11 wineries plus a raft of eateries and musicians set to appear.

Event organiser Rachael Fletcher said for the most part they would be "sticking with the same winning formula" as previous years.

"But given that it's the 20th year, we'll have a bit more of a celebratory feel to it.

"The theme is the old-school carnival, so that will be a bit different."

The event takes place on November 20, with tickets on sale from 9am on October 5.

Ms Fletcher said this year there would be two more vineyards than 2010, with four of them - Palliser, Ata Rangi, Te Kairanga and Martinborough - involved at every event since it started.

The other wineries this year are Alana Estate, Escarpment Vineyard, Margrain, Muirlea Rise, Murdoch James, Tirohana Estate and Vynfields.

There would also be a range of performers on offer, from Ladi6 and The Thomas Oliver Band for the younger crowd, to Roger Fox and Ray Woolf for the more mature punters.

Other performers include Xray Cats, Jedi Nights, Livewire, Twinset, The Beat Girls and The Warratahs.

Ms Fletcher said there would be a "Willy Wonka-esque" golden ticket competition for one person to receive "star treatment" on the day, as well as presenting ticket-holders with commemorative glasses and the chance to vote for the best art poster in the lead-up to the event.

Caterers will include locals Parehua Country Estate, Bar Salute and Wharekauhau, plus Ruth Pretty, Taste Vin and Bisque on Bolton.

Tickets are $70 plus a booking fee and postage, $10 more than last year.

Last year, the 10,000 available tickets sold out in 15 minutes.

Tickets are available at 9am on October 5 from Ticketek.