The 13th annual Alexandra Basin Winegrowers New Release Tasting Day was a huge success in Clyde on Sunday (October 23).

The event was a sell-out and organisers were happy with the new temporary location at the Clyde Railway Reserve.

The event had been held in the gardens of Olivers Restaurant in previous years, but maintenance of the grounds at Olivers meant the event had to move this year.

Committee member Annie Winmill said the alternative venue worked well.

Alexandra Basin Winegrowers New Release Tasting day committee member Annie Winmill (right) with Catherine Fabre, of Invercargill

“Everyone was so excited to be back after missing a year in 2021,” she said.

Many of the 400 pre-sold tickets were snapped up by out-of-towners, including from Auckland, Whangarei, Christchurch, Invercargill and Queenstown.   

There were even wine lovers from Manchester and Sweden at the event, Annie said.

A large marquee lent by Tourism Central Otago provided ample shade and shelter for those needing a break from the sun and wind, and Annie said there was potential to grow the event further.

Entertainers Lyall McGregor and Melita Langston entertain the crowd

The Alexandra Basin is the most southern wine growing region in the world, below the 45th parallel, and although French goldminer Jean Feraud realised its potential back in the 1860s there was no market for it then.

It wasn't until a century later in the 1980s that a new era of commercial wine production began in the area, and now there are over 23 vineyards in Alexandra Basin.

The new release tasting day is a way for local wine makers to showcase their latest new releases that are about to hit the market.

Locals and holiday makers mixed together enjoying the warm spring day, live music and the ‘Pick and Shovel’ vineyard thought outside the square, offering Rosé jellies kept on ice for punters.

Special guest Rex Pickett - an acclaimed author and writer of two Academy Award-winning films - was also featured at the event.

His novel ‘Sideways’ was adapted into a now iconic wine comedy, and he is also a film director, playwright, librettist and essayist. Rex has just published his latest book ‘The Archivist’.