We haven't been for quite a few years (at least 10) but used to attend this every year. It's the 25th this year. We're looking forward to it but I heard on the radio today that at least two wineries have pulled out of it because of the very restrictive alcohol regulations and the threats of very large fines and/or loss of licence for non-compliance.
Frankly I can see both sides of this. It's difficult for wineries at festivals to do the age checking and inebriation observation that is required in bars. There are at times a crush of people all clamouring at the makeshift bars and tables to be served.
On the other hand, I've seen at this festival and others a lot of bad behaviour that stemmed from too much alcohol consumed too quickly. This was years ago and I can only assume that things have got worse (the younger generation you know).
I wrote about this a few years ago as The Wine Guy. See here:
It's a shame that a rowdy few can spoil things for others but I guess that's just the way of it especially when there's booze of any description. The great holiday activities of the past at Christmas and New Years beach venues are all set to disappear. A nice stroll late at night in Queen Street Auckland or Courtenay Place Wellington has become too dangerous.
As for Lower Hutt or Wainuiomata let's not go there. Seriously, let's not go there.
As for Lower Hutt or Wainuiomata let's not go there. Seriously, let's not go there.
Escarpment, one of the great Pinot Noir producers has decided not to feature their wines at the festival this year and Palliser Estate has also withdrawn. I'm not surprised at Palliser which, as the first winery to come across on entering Martinborough and the last when leaving it was always 'party central'. At the end of the day thousands would meet up there to use up the last of the festival currency and kick back while listening to great music.
The Beat Girls used to feature here.
Of course this was where most of the drunkeness and associated problems was the most pronounced.
The Beat Girls used to feature here.
Of course this was where most of the drunkeness and associated problems was the most pronounced.
I hope this year that things are better but, being the 25th anniversary it probably won't be.
Never mind: If you can't beat them - join them.
1 comment:
Yes but there's no way that anything in NZ could get that bad.
Have a good read of this:
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/10/donald-trump-scandals/474726/
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