Blues Brews and BBQs is the festival that celebrates the best of summer, no wonder its one the most popular events on Marlborough's summer calender.

Breweries both small and large will be showcasing their premium beers, for those looking for an alternative try a glass of wine from Waipara Wine Cellars stall, a Bulmar Cider, or a cruise past the Prenzels site who offer a great alternative with their distilled options. Non-alcoholic fruit juices, smoothies and copious amounts of ice water will be freely available.

On Friday the 12th of February 2010 the Blenheim CBD comes alive with the annual festival market day. From 9am to 5pm the centre of town comes alive with arts, crafts, food, clothing, entertainment and more. This is the perfect opportunity to see more of the hidden treasures that Marlborough has to offer and is a great way to start your Wine and Food Festival Weekend.

The Marlborough Wine and Food festival is New Zealand's longest running and most successful wine festival. Take the opportunity to sample a unique selection of Marlborough wines along with some delicious produce and gourmet cuisine.
The festival offers something for everyone including wine tutorials with the regions' leading winemakers and viticulturists. Thomas's fashion in the Vines competition , Food and wine matching and fantastic entertainment from some of New Zealands leading performers.

Why not make the most of your trip to Marlborough Wine Festival and extend your stay to take in some of the many attractions our piece of paradise has to offer.

Following Saturday's festival, relax and experience another part of Marlborough and explore the magical Sounds aboard the Marlborough Travel lauch Odyssea.

Buses will collect guest from Seymour Square and Vintners Retreat and the Marlborough Vintners Hotel in the morning (9.45am) and drive to Havelock Marina. There you will be greeted with a glass of Marlboroughs bubbles and taken out to the Kenepuru Sound for lunch. The Odyssea will return to Havelock at 2pm where your bus will transport you back to Vintners Retreat or Seymour Suare.

Tickets are just $95 and include bus transfers, Sounds Cruise, 2 glass of Marlborough wine and a two course lunch. Tickets will be available shortly.

Time 9:30am-3:00pm

Take a tour around the Marlborough Cellar doors and enjoy complimentary wine tastings and entertainment. Lunch will be served at a "mystery" location.

A dedicated Wine Down coach will collect guests from Seymour Square and Vintners Hotel and take them on a personalised tour of Marlborough Cellar Doors.

Time 10:30am- 2:30pm

This festival celebrates summer, the sea and generally having fun.
For more information please visit the official website.