Akarua Winery’s ongoing association with the Arrowtown Autumn Festival reflects the close links between the two, according to Akarua general manager Kathryn Pettit.

2020 marks Akarua’s fifth year as naming rights sponsor of the festival.

Akarua Winery was planted in 1996 in Bannockburn by the Skeggs family and Kathryn says as a family owned company with long-held ties in the region they see the festival as aligning with its values.

“Akaruawanted to support this event aswine is inherently about enjoyment with friends and family and the Akarua Autumn Festival epitomises this. We also recognise how difficult it is becoming for community-run festivals to secure funding and sponsorship and we wanted to give our support for its long-term continuation.”

Kathryn is hands-on as a member of the festival committee andthe company is actively involved in the organisation and planning of the event.

“Akarua holds special functions each year to reinforce the festival programme and in 2020 two new ticketed events will be held at Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan – the Bubbly Brunch and the Autumn Long Lunch. Akarua is also a key player in the Pie, Pint and Pinot held on the Library Green.”

Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan opened three years ago at Lake Hayes allowing the company to offer a destination restaurant and cellar door close to both Arrowtown and Queenstown. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch as well as grazing platters and Akarua wines from an historic cottage in a spectacular garden setting on the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road.

Kathryn says the winery is continually developing to maintain the high standards the Akarua label is recognised for.

“Akarua is proud of its heritage and commitment to the local industry.We have had a busy last couple of years with the release of two new wine brands into our range, Pinot Rouge and 25 Steps, which been very well accepted. Our focus in 2020 is making sure that momentum continues.”