Toast leads busy summer

Ten thousand thirsty punters will descend on Martinborough on Sunday as the Toast wine and food festival kicks off a summer of Wairarapa events.

The 20th anniversary edition of Toast will feature 11 vineyards - two more than last year - with Palliser, Ata Rangi, Te Kairanga and Martinborough involved at every event since it started.

Festival organiser Rachael Fletcher said this year's event had an "old school carnival theme", complete with Willy Wonka style golden ticket competition and special commemorative glasses.

She said the festival's "Ultimate Fan" competition had been won by Wellington's Michelle Potter, who had attended 17 of the 19 events, and this year would be accompanied by her husband, who proposed to her during the 2009 festival.

"Michelle is one of thousands who've made Toast Martinborough a must-do annual outing. We're delighted to welcome her back for our 20th festival to celebrate an amazing milestone for the Martinborough wine community."

A number of other popular Wairarapa events will take place this summer, including the Tauherenikau races (Saturday), La De Da music festival (December 31), Martinborough Fair (February 4), and the Super Rugby pre-season game at Mangatainoka (February 11).

A musical festival on January 7 at Riversdale Beach, called Summer Tides, will be held for the first time.

The family-friendly concert will include The Beat Girls, Wellington-based The Noodles and Wairarapa's own SKAper, a five piece dub/reggae/rock band for the one-day concert.

Event organiser Rosie Broughton said the focus was on families.

"People flock to Riversdale Beach with their families to stay in their baches or holiday homes and I wanted to provide them with another reason to stay."

Destination Wairarapa marketing manager Barb Hyde said many music promoters were attracted to the region's close proximity to Wellington, its strong transport links, and venues capable of hosting large numbers.