Event organisers are branching out amidst Covid-19 restrictions, including those behind Ripe The Wānaka Wine and Food Festival.

The event's main festival was shelved due to Covid-19 restrictions, but organisers will still offer a virtual afternoon of wine tasting on March 19.

Wine enthusiasts who polish their glassware for the occasion will be taking part in the first dedicated virtual tasting of Central Otago wines in NZ.

The idea to hold a virtual event was born after the festival planned for more than 2000 people in March could not go ahead under current red light restrictions. (See earlier story: Wanaka's Ripe Food & Wine Festival postponed)

The winemakers will be joined by sommelier Candice Chow, of Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, who will help explain each wine on offer from the seven participating Central Otago wineries.

Vineyards featured include Akarua, Gibbston Valley, Mount Michael, Maori Point, Maude, Misha’s Vineyard and Quartz Reef Wines.

Ripe director Nathan White said he hoped everyone still had the original festival date in their diaries and would embrace the idea of going virtual by hosting their very own watch party with friends.

“We’re encouraging people to host their own mini wine festivals and there will be deals and giveaways throughout the event”.

Access to the event is for those who purchase any of the wines being presented from www.ripewineco.nz before March 14.

Once purchased, guests will receive a unique code to access the virtual tasting.

The event will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2pm to 4.30pm, the same day the live event was due to take place.

The initiative is the first of many virtual tastings planned for 2022 as part of the Ripe Wine Co offering.

For more information on the event visit: www.ripewineco.co.nz