Bottom’s up, ginthusiasts.
This March, Arrowtown will host the inaugural New Zealand International Gin Festival, a joint venture between Carter Consultants and Cross Events, where gin lovers from across the country will celebrate the spirit in a place many consider the heart and soul of gin production in NZ.
Event co-organiser and marketing manager Simon Carter says it’ll give gin lovers a chance to experience tipples from across NZ and the world, ‘‘in one of NZ’s most picturesque locations’’.
Fellow co-organiser and ops manager Campbell Ross says a key objective’s ensuring local suppliers are used wherever possible to support the economy, while achieving their sustainability goals.
‘‘The support we have received from local businesses has been very heartening and allowed the operational organisation of the event to be very smooth to date.’’
He’s particularly grateful to Scapegrace, East Imperial, Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association (APBA), You Gather and A J Saville Registered Master Builders.
Prior to the event starting, on Friday, March 24, the public can vote for their favourite summer gin, with the winner announced at a sponsors’ function that night, during a locals’ celebration.
The following day will be filled with entertainment, great food and even better gin — Carter says VIP ticket-holders will be treated to a degustation lunch, curated by the Stoaker Room, accompanied by Scapegrace cocktails and hosted by renowned mixologist Mikey Ball.
APBA manager Nicky Busst says the association’s been hoping for a gin event in Arrowtown for a while, and is stoked to see it happen.
Carter says ticket sales, via nzigf.com, are ahead of expectations, noting it’s unlikely there’ll be any gate sales on the day at Wilcox Green.
