FESTIVAL INFO
NZ Cheese Festival 2025 – 5th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate the Best of New Zealand’s Artisan Cheeses at Clos Henri Vineyard
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Date: Saturday, 25th October 2025 (Labour Day Weekend)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Clos Henri Vineyard, Marlborough
Ticket Prices:
General Admission: Early Bird $20 (october 2024-June 2025)
Standard $30 (June 2025 - Event Day)
Children U16: Free entry
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Shuttle Service: Available from Blenheim & Picton
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Key Festival Highlights
1. Build Your Own Picnic
Create your ideal picnic by choosing from a wide range of artisan vendors, showcasing the finest local produce. Discover a diverse selection of New Zealand’s best cheese, pâté, chutney, honey, bread, crackers, and more. Pair your picnic with a glass of Marlborough wine, craft cider, or beer, or indulge in a creamy milkshake at the festival's brand new Milkshake Bar. Whether you’re crafting a cheeseboard or enjoying a full gourmet feast, the festival offers endless options to build your perfect picnic spread.
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2. Live Music & Entertainment
Relax on the vineyard lawn with your friends and family while enjoying live acoustic performances throughout the day. The atmosphere is perfect for a laid-back afternoon—bring your blankets and chairs and settle in for a day of great music, good vibes, and delicious food.
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3. Cheese Pairing Masterclasses
Dive deeper into the world of cheese with our exclusive Cheese Pairing Masterclasses. Led by top industry experts, these masterclasses will guide you through the art of pairing cheese with wine, beer, and cider. Each masterclass offers festival-goers the chance to enhance their cheese knowledge and tasting experience. Masterclasses can be booked as an add-on with your entry ticket or purchased on the day of the festival.
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4. Family-Friendly Fun
The NZ Cheese Festival is designed for all ages, making it a perfect day out for families. The Cheesy Children’s Area offers a variety of fun activities, including facepainting, coloring stations, Swiss Cheese Cornhole, giant Jenga, and other family-friendly games. While parents enjoy the gourmet food and beverages, kids can have a blast too.
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5. Hot Food, Coffee, Wine, and Beer
In addition to the vast selection of cheese and picnic options, the festival also features gourmet hot food vendors, artisan coffee, and beverages from some of New Zealand’s finest wine, cider, and craft beer producers. Whether you’re craving something warm or just need a coffee break, there’s something for everyone.
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Practical Information
1. Shuttle Buses:
Shuttle services will run from Blenheim and Picton, making it easy for festival-goers to enjoy the event without the hassle of driving. Shuttle tickets are available for purchase when buying your festival tickets.
2. Tickets:
Early Bird General Admission tickets - $20 are available from 25th October 2024 until 30th June.
General Admission Tickets - $30 are available from 30th June 2025 - event day or at the door on the day (subject to availability).
Masterclass will be ticketed individually (released in 2025)
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3.Location:
Clos Henri Vineyard is one of Marlborough’s most beautiful vineyard settings, offering stunning views and a serene environment for a relaxed, picnic-style event. Ample parking is available on-site, with shuttle bus services also provided from nearby towns.
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Why Attend the NZ Cheese Festival 2025?
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The NZ Cheese Festival 2025 is not just a food festival—it’s a full-day celebration of the richness and diversity of New Zealand’s artisan cheese industry. With a focus on locally sourced, handcrafted products, this festival brings together the best of what New Zealand has to offer in an idyllic vineyard setting.
Celebrate the 5th Anniversary of this iconic event with your family and friends as you explore new flavors, learn from experts, and enjoy a perfect day out in Marlborough’s wine country. Whether you’re a passionate cheese lover or just looking for a fun, relaxing experience, the NZ Cheese Festival 2025 is an event you won’t want to miss.