Event description

Ferrymead Heritage Wine and Food Festival

Saturday 24 October 2026 | 10am–5pm
Ferrymead Heritage Park

Step back in time and experience a unique celebration of New Zealand wine, artisan food and living heritage at the Ferrymead Heritage Wine Festival.

Set among the historic streets, buildings and trams of Ferrymead Heritage Park, the festival will bring together wineries, food producers and wine enthusiasts for a relaxed and memorable day of tastings, demonstrations, entertainment and discovery.

Visitors will be able to sample a wide selection of wines, meet the people behind the labels and purchase bottles to enjoy at home. Wineries will be encouraged to showcase older vintages, heritage-inspired displays and the traditions that have shaped New Zealand winemaking.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy activities such as traditional riddling-rack challenges, grape-crushing and bottling demonstrations, displays of vintage winemaking equipment, and small-group talks hosted in Ferrymead’s historic buildings. The programme will explore the stories, skills and craftsmanship behind wine production, from vineyard to bottle.

A selection of artisan food will be available to complement the wines, with opportunities to enjoy local produce, cheeses, breads and festival dishes while relaxing in the park’s distinctive heritage surroundings.

The festival is designed to be enjoyed in all weather, with winery stalls and activities located throughout Ferrymead’s historic indoor venues as well as outdoor areas. Heritage tram rides, period buildings and demonstrations will add to the atmosphere and create an experience unlike any other wine festival in Canterbury.

The Ferrymead Heritage Wine Festival forms part of the wider Christchurch Heritage Festival and is also a fundraiser supporting the ongoing preservation, education programmes and development of Ferrymead Heritage Park.

Whether you are a dedicated wine lover, interested in local history, or simply looking for a special spring day out, the Ferrymead Heritage Wine Festival promises an unforgettable celebration of wine, food and heritage.

Event Details

Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Time: 10am–5pm
Venue: Ferrymead Heritage Park
Featuring: Wine tastings, winery stalls, artisan food, heritage demonstrations, talks, vintage equipment, traditional winemaking activities and heritage tram experiences.

Ticket prices

General admission $45

Premium $65 access to Masterclasses on the tram and in the Friendly Lodge

Bring your own chair

Buses

Buses are being organised for festival goers, keep an eye out here for more details

Your hosts

The Heritage Festival including the Wine and Food festival is being run by Te Pai Nui. Find out more baout Te Pai Nui here: tepainui.co.nz

Led by Michael Campbell, Michael is no stranger to (wine) events having organised his first wine trade fair for Guinness in Ireland in 1993. Michael has:

represented Waipara at the London Wine Trade Fair, Syndey Food Show and Christchurch Wine and Food Festival in Bournemouth in England
Organised 5 Corbans Wine and Food Challenges, 2 Waipara Wine and Food Challenges and Waipara Wine and Food festivals
Organised Cup Day at Addington Raceway
Organised academic conferences and PD for tertiary providers, schools and teacher groups.
And many other events
If you'd like help with your fundrasing (events) contact us through tepainui.co.nz

Programme highlights

Discover New Zealand Wines Taste a wide selection of red, white, sparkling and specialty wines from wineries across Canterbury and beyond.
Meet the Winemakers Talk directly with winemakers, growers and vineyard representatives and learn more about the people and stories behind each label.
Explore Older Vintages Enjoy opportunities to discover carefully cellared wines and compare older vintages with current releases.
Heritage Winemaking Demonstrations See traditional grape crushing, bottling techniques and vintage winemaking equipment brought to life throughout the day.
Traditional Riddling-Rack Challenge Try your hand at the historic méthode traditionnelle process using a classic riddling rack, also known as a pupitre.
Wine Talks and Tastings Attend small-group talks and guided tasting sessions presented inside Ferrymead’s distinctive heritage buildings.
Artisan Food Pair your wine with a tempting selection of cheeses, breads, local produce and festival food.
Take Wine Home Purchase your favourite bottles during the festival and collect them safely from the designated pickup area as you leave.
Heritage Tram Rides Travel through the park aboard a heritage tram and experience Ferrymead’s historic streets, buildings and exhibits.
A Festival for All Weather Enjoy winery stalls and activities across both indoor and outdoor locations, making the event enjoyable whatever the weather.
Part of the Christchurch Heritage Festival Celebrate the stories, traditions and craftsmanship of winemaking as part of Christchurch’s wider programme of heritage events.
Supporting Ferrymead Heritage Park Your attendance helps support the preservation, education programmes and future development of Ferrymead Heritage Park.

Gallery

Tickets

Ferrymead Heritage Wine Festival General Admission: $45.00
Ferrymead Heritage Wine Festival Premium Ticket: $65.00

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