North West Wine, Beer & Food Festival is back!
Wednesday 23 November 2022
After a two-year hiatus, North West Wine, Beer & Food Festival is making its return for a day of music paired with some of the finest food and drink the North West region has to offer this February 11th at The Hunting Lodge.
The event will see The Hunting Lodge grounds transform into a boutique festival, showcasing the best of the North West Country flavours with offerings from local vineyards, breweries and restaurants, with a music line-up headed by award-winning artists Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi & The Promises, Hollie Smith & Georgia Lines.
The food and beverage offering is entirely local, featuring wineries Coopers Creek, The Hunting Lodge, Kumeu River, Soljans Estate Winery & West Brook Winery, breweries Hallertau Brewery & Liberty Brewing Co, Kombucha from Mama's Brew Shop and special dishes from food vendors including Michael Van de Ezlen's Good From Scatch, Hallertau Brewery, The Hunting Lodge & Morepork BBQ.
North West Country Manager Phelan Pirrie says he’s excited for the festival to finally make it return to the region.
"After two years off, I can’t wait to see the North West Festival make its return to The Hunting Lodge. Previous events have always been a sell-out hit so we’re anticipating for this to be one of the biggest ones yet. We're looking forward to showcasing the best of the North West Country has to offer to people from around the greater Auckland region."
Taking home an additional three Tūī awards this year, including becoming the second female ever to win Best Producer, the Kingmaker hitmaker & North West-local Tami Neilson will be making her return to the 2023 North West Fest. After appearing back in 2019, Neilson returns as headliner on the back of her critically-acclaimed number one album, KINGMAKER performing alongside her full band and a string-quartet.
“After touring the world this year I’m excited to come back home and play a festival in my own backyard performing for my Waimauku Community,” - Tami Neilson
Joining Tami on headlining duties is multi-award-winning, multi-genre musician Troy Kingi with his band The Promises. Kingi’s passion for music has led to a successful and ever-expanding artistic career. A multi-time Aotearoa Music Award winner and winner of the APRA Silver Scroll, Kingi will bring his signature sound to the North West Fest, moving through funk, soul, folk & 80’s-inspired jams throughout a set.
One of Aotearoa’s most iconic Soul musicians and multi-award winner Hollie Smith will be bringing her incredible live performance to the region. Smith will be appearing on the back of her latest album, COMING IN FROM THE DARK, which saw her again reach number one on the NZ Charts. With a career spanning over 15 years, Smith has released numerous number one singles and albums including the classic ‘Bathe In The River’, and will be appearing alongside her full band.
Also making her North West Fest debut is Georgia Lines, who has just taken home her first Tūī Award this year for Breakthrough Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Lines is a R&B-sprinkled pop artist who has enchanted audiences all across Aotearoa and beyond. Her recently released EP HUMAN debuted at number one on the album charts with the lead single ‘Faith’ also reaching number one on the NZ charts. Lines is a shining Aotearoa talent who is continually making an impact and showing no signs of slowing down.
As previous years have done, the festival will be hosting a kids zone, making it a truly family-friendly event with discounted tickets available for children under 18.
Discounted earlybird tickets go on sale at 12pm on Wednesday 22 of November from Loop, with return bus tickets from Auckland City, Muriwai, Helensville, Kumeu & Riverhead also available.
The festival will have a plush VIP option including priority entry. The VIP zone will feature a separate bar, bathrooms and a private outdoor space. A Tasting Zone will also be showcasing the beverage on offer.
Set in the picturesque surrounds of the The Hunting Lodge Wine Estate – just 30 minutes northwest of Auckland city, the North West Wine, Beer & Food Festival is the perfect celebration of summer for foodies and music lovers alike.