Inaugural Wine And Food Celebration Roam Central A Huge Success

Tuesday, January 31, 2023 11:33 am
Press Release: Roam Central

A great collaboration between winemakers and food producers from around Central Otago and the Southern Lakes has resulted in the inaugural Roam Central event exceeding organizers’ expectations.

Roam Central, a four-day celebration of the region’s wine and food industry, took place from January 26-29 at multiple locations in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston, Wānaka, Bendigo, Bannockburn, Clyde and Pisa near Cromwell.

Roam Central marks the first time that Central Otago’s wine producers and artisans have collaborated to organize a series of bespoke events highlighting some of the region’s finest gastronomic and tasting experiences. A total of 19 events were held across the region over the four days, bringing together 38 wineries and dozens of chefs and food producers.

The flagship event, the Roam the Valley Wine & Food Festival at the Cargo Cellar Door in Gibbston, drew more than 1500 people to enjoy a relaxed and fun atmosphere in the sun while sampling local wines and food. All other events were sold out or almost sold out.

Roam Central’s events manager, Jo Brown, says she’s been overwhelmed by the feedback from attendees at the events, as well as from winemakers and food producers themselves.

“Our vision for Roam Central was to create a summer festival of what’s being produced on our doorstep, for locals and visitors alike. It’s all about sharing our love of living in Central Otago and the Southern Lakes, and we’re thrilled to be involved in each event.

“But what made this event so special is how everyone came together to contribute to an amazing four day celebration of the region. We are truly grateful for the support of our amazing winemakers, wineries, chefs and restaurants – they are the heroes of this event,” she says.

“We will be back next year to once again celebrate and enhance this world-renowned region.”

Roam Central: The Details
Roam Central includes four anchor events between January 26th and 29th, 2023.

Roam the Valley Wine & Food Festival: Held in the scenic grounds of Cargo Cellar Door in Gibbston, the festival is a ticketed event and includes themed areas such as Rock & Gold, Water & Ice, Fruit & Bloom. Live musicians, Jackie Bristow, Little Green Men, Saxylady and The Postman played throughout the day.
Roam Around Town (Wine & Dine) 26.-28. January: Participating local restaurants Aosta, Arc, Olivers, Giovi, Farelli’s at Giovi, Rata and Jervois Steak House partner with local wineries to indulge guests with a unique four-course wine-matched dinner.
Roam the Vines (Brunch in the Vineyards) on January 29th: Select local vineyards will host a relaxed brunch between the vines to conclude the four-day celebration.
Roam Pop-Ups (Explore the Region) May 27-29 January: A program of events across the regions that includes Master Classes, nightly chilling at Carrick, Winemakers Dinner at Muttonbird and nightly chilling at the Queenstown Ice Bar.
Further information on all events can be found here.