By Emily Norman
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Just like wine, it would appear that Toast Martinborough has become better with age, with some festival goers saying this year was “the best one yet”.
Toast Martinborough, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, hosted almost 9000 wine-lovers yesterday in Martinborough for the event.
Festival manager Anna Nielson said she was “thrilled” to see the “weather had turned the sun on for the day”, and said the day was “totally trouble-free”.
Area commander Inspector Donna Howard said the crowd had behaved very well, with “positive changes” made by organisers around alcohol playing a role.
There were no arrests.
She said given last Monday’s earthquake and the weather experienced by many in Wellington during the week, it was great for people to be able to relax.
“After the week that Wellington’s had the sun came out and everyone’s had a good day.”
There was also a “good range of ages” at this year’s event, she said.
Festival goer Julie Iles of Wellington said the day was full of “good vibes” and she was loving it all.
“I drank a fair amount of wine,” she said as she prepared to enter her fourth vineyard of the day with close friends.
“The public transport between the vineyards has been like a dream.
“I’m really excited to see what the rest have to offer.”
Her friend Myles Snaddon, also of Wellington, said he was having a “fantastic time”.
“All the vineyards have been fantastic, they’ve all been very accommodating.
“Everyone has looked after everyone and it’s just been a really civilised, nice event.”
Two Greytown shop owners were also toasting to the event at Dry River, one of nine vineyards involved in this year’s festival.
“This is my very first time at Toast,” Siddhi Smith of Encore said.
“It’s been wonderful and I think it’s really well-organised.
“There’s a few people who have obviously gone over the top, but otherwise it’s been fantastic and very enjoyable.”
Sharon Morgan of New For You said it was her third or fourth time to the festival, but “this is the best experience I’ve had”.
“We’re very lucky to have a festival like this practically in our backyard.”
Other vineyards involved in this year’s Toast Martinborough, alongside Dry River, were Muirlea Rise, Martinborough Vineyard, Te Kairanga, Margrain Vineyard, Ata Rangi, Vynfields, Tirohana Estate, and Luna Estate.
