After a two-year hiatus, North West Wine, Beer & Food Festival is making its return for a day of music paired with some of the finest food and drink the North West region has to offer this February 11th at The Hunting Lodge.

The event will see The Hunting Lodge grounds transform into a boutique festival, showcasing the best of the North West Country flavours with offerings from local vineyards, breweries and restaurants, with a music line-up headed by award-winning artists Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi & The Promises, Hollie Smith & Georgia Lines.

The food and beverage offering is entirely local, featuring wineries Coopers Creek, The Hunting Lodge, Kumeu River, Soljans Estate Winery & West Brook Winery, breweries Hallertau Brewery & Liberty Brewing Co, Kombucha from Mama's Brew Shop and special dishes from food vendors including Good From Scratch, Hallertau Brewery, The Hunting Lodge & Morepork BBQ.

North West Country Manager Phelan Pirrie says he’s excited for the festival to finally make it return to the region.

"After two years off, I can’t wait to see the North West Festival make its return to The Hunting Lodge. Previous events have always been a sell-out hit so we’re anticipating for this to be one of the biggest ones yet. We're looking forward to showcasing the best of the North West Country has to offer to people from around the greater Auckland region."

Taking home an additional three T?? awards this year, including becoming the second female ever to win Best Producer, the Kingmaker hitmaker & North West-local Tami Neilson will be making her return to the 2023 North West Fest. After appearing back in 2019, Neilson returns as headliner on the back of her critically-acclaimed number one album, Kingmaker, performing alongside her full band and a string-quartet.

“After touring the world this year I’m excited to come back home and play a festival in my own backyard performing for my Waimauku Community,” - Tami Neilson

Joining Tami on headlining duties is multi-award-winning, multi-genre musician Troy Kingi with his band The Promises. Kingi’s passion for music has led to a successful and ever-expanding artistic career. A multi-time Aotearoa Music Award winner and winner of the APRA Silver Scroll, Kingi will bring his signature sound to the North West Fest, moving through funk, soul, folk & 80’s-inspired jams throughout a set.

One of Aotearoa’s most iconic Soul musicians and multi-award winner Hollie Smith will be making her North West Fest debut bringing her incredible live performance to the region. With a career spanning over 15 years, Smith has released numerous number one singles and albums and has collaborated with the likes of Don McGlashan on the hitmaking track Bathe In The River which since its release has become one of the biggest and most iconic singles in New Zealand history, showcasing her breathtaking and soulful talent to the world.

Also making her North West Fest debut is Georgia Lines, who has just taken home her first T?? Award this year for Breakthrough Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards. Lines is a R&B-sprinkled pop artist who has enchanted audiences all across Aotearoa and beyond. Her recently released EP Human debuted at number one on the album charts with the lead single Faith also reaching number one on the NZ charts. Lines is a shining Aotearoa talent who is continually making an impact and showing no signs of slowing down.

As previous years have done, the festival will be hosting a kids zone, making it a truly family-friendly event with discounted tickets available for children under 18.

Discounted earlybird tickets go on sale 12pm on Wednesday 23 of November from Loop, with limited on-site parking, return bus tickets from Auckland City, Muriwai, Helensville, Kumeu & Riverhead available.

The festival will have a plush VIP option including priority entry. The VIP zone will be situated in the Hunting Lodge Restaurant with a separate bar, bathrooms and a private outdoor space.

As with previous years, the festival will be hosting a kids zone, making it a truly family-friendly event with discounted tickets available for children under 18.

Set in the picturesque surrounds of the The Hunting Lodge Wine Estate – just 30 minutes northwest of Auckland city, the North West Wine, Beer & Food Festival is the perfect celebration of summer for foodies and music lovers alike.

North West Country & LOOP present
NORTH WEST WINE, BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL 2023

Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi & The Promises, Hollie Smith & Georgia Lines
Saturday February 11 - The Hunting Lodge, Waimauku

Head to loop.co.nz for more info.