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Wine lovers, food enthusiasts and music fans will have a new date to circle on the calendar this summer, with the launch of Into The Vines, a boutique wine, food, art and music festival set to debut at Matakana’s Sculptureum on Saturday February 28.
Billed as a “premium yet playful” celebration of New Zealand wine country, Into The Vines is the latest creation from Lemongrass Productions – the team behind popular events including Winetopia, Taste of Auckland and Restaurant Month.
Organisers describe the festival as a backstage pass into NZ’s wine regions, combining curated tastings, locally inspired cuisine and live entertainment in a relaxed, sun-soaked setting.
The event will unfold across Sculptureum’s gardens and sculpture galleries, allowing guests to wander, sip and savour as they meet boutique winemakers from around the country and enjoy thoughtfully paired dishes from local food producers.
Live music will provide the soundtrack to the day, shifting from laid-back afternoon grooves into a more energetic evening celebration. The line-up features the theatrical duelling pianos of Rocket Man v Piano Man, the keys and brass-driven sounds of Love Square, and a closing performance by Sola Rosa with their full live band.
For those wanting to elevate the experience, a limited VIP ticket offers access to the Rothko Matakana Food & Wine Experience, curated by acclaimed chef Neil Sapitula, recently named Metro Magazine’s Best Destination Restaurant winner for 2025.
VIP guests will also enjoy a dedicated Garden Lounge Marquee overlooking the main stage, a welcome drink, private bar and bathrooms, and full-day festival access.
Tickets are priced at $85 for general admission, which includes festival entry, live music, pop-up experiences and a festival wine glass for afternoon tastings. The VIP Experience is $285, while children aged 6 to 15 can attend for $15 and those aged five and under enter free.
Lemongrass Productions director Rob Elliot says the festival was designed for people who want the atmosphere of a great summer event without the crowds and chaos of larger festivals.
“It’s a day out exploring the best food and drink from Matakana, a great music line-up and plenty of surprises,” he says. “It’s designed to be the perfect summer’s day for those who are done with the push and shove, but still want a vibrant festival atmosphere.”
Into The Vines will be held at Sculptureum, Matakana, with doors opening at noon and the festival running from 1pm to 7pm. More information: www.winetopia.co.nz/into-the-vineshttps
