Foley Wines is front-ending its updated Toast Martinborough festival at Wellington Anniversary weekend with a new project _ the Lighthouse Gin Garden Party. Foley also owns locally-produced Lighthouse Gin.
Distiller Rachel Hall will use the The Runholder Cottage at Te Kairanga vineyards at the Saturday (January 18) event with its shaded gardens to serve cocktails she has designed.
Local food trucks will serve up fare alongside local cheese and charcuterie platters from the nearby The Runholder kitchen.
“Whether warming up for Toast or looking for an excuse to get out of the city for the day, the Lighthouse Gin Garden Party is the perfect way to spend a summer’s day in Martinborough,” noted Yvette Holden of Foley Wines. Toast follows on the Sunday.
Foley Wines bought Toast Martinborough from local investors in early 2024. After a cash-raising effort by Toast Martinborough’s board failed to raise enough capital to cover the shortfall from the 2023 Toast Martinborough event, Foley stepped in. Foley Wines described the 30-year-old annual festival as “iconic” when it announced the take over.
Owned by American investor Bill Foley, Foley Wines is already deeply involved in Martinborough, owning Te Kairanga and Martinborough wineries, Lighthouse Gin distillery and the recently-opened The Runholder wine cellar, distillery and dining centre. In a statement announcing its buy-out, Foley said its move “comes at a time when the festival, like many other businesses in the hospitality sector, faces challenges exacerbated by the impact of Covid-19 and unfavourable harvest conditions,” as well as “financial constraints.” The 2023 edition of Toast Martinborough reportedly fell short of the expected annual turnout of around 9,000 punters. Tickets for 2024: iTICKET.
