FAQs
1
What do I do at Winetopia?
You’ll be given a Spiegelau glass on entry and both GA and American Express Premium Tickets also include 5 tasting tokens. Once you’re in you have approximately 50 wineries set up within the venue ready to pour you a taste of their top wines (typically 1 x 30ml sample for 1 token, but this could be more for the expensive wines). Find something you like? You can buy a bottle to take home with you, or order a case and have it delivered from your home.
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You’ll find the atmosphere at Winetopia up beat and you’ll encounter lots of interesting characters along the way. We have multiple stages set up with talks, tastings and entertainment throughout your session. There’s even a live band to finish.
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Grab a ticket via this website, come on down (you can purchase additional tokens and delicious food onsite too) and see why the event sells out each year.
2
Covid-19 Restrictions / Vaccine Passes / Face Masks ?
There are no Covid-19 restrictions in New Zealand currently or vaccine passes. We do ask anyone feeling unwell with flu-like symptoms to stay home out of respect for everybody and you can wear a face mask if you wish.
3
What do tickets include?
General Admission Tickets include a Spiegelau tasting glass which you can keep at the end of the day, 5 tasting tokens, an event guide, access to all the wineries, main stage talks and entertainment.
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American Express Premium Tickets include all of the above, plus a glass of premium NZ cuvee on arrival (60ml), a Winetopia tote bag and access to the American Express Premium Lounge. See here for full inclusions.
Golden Coins can be purchased in advance as an “add-on ticket” or on the day if still available.
4
Is there going to be any food?
Yes, a selection of gourmet food options are available for purchase at the event. We try to cater to all tastes and diets.
5
Are the talks and entertainment free?
All talks and entertainment on the main stage are free to attend with your entry ticket.
Some special features such as any advertised Masterclasses may cost a little extra, reflective of the extra costs associated with running these features for you.
6
Is this a wine drinking event?
Winetopia is about having a great time discovering the best wines in NZ – we have over 50 wineries set up at the events. However, if you’d rather try and drink all the wines in one day, then this isn’t the right event for you. The maximum pour size is 60ml of wine and we reserve the right to expel anyone intoxicated or displaying antisocial behaviour. There will be spittoons and plenty of drinking water freely available onsite as well as food and low alcohol drink options. Please enjoy Winetopia responsibly!
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If you find a bottle of wine you like you can buy it to take home but this cannot be opened onsite.
7
Where to buy?
Only buy tickets through the Winetopia website (Auckland) and Ticketmaster (Wellington) – we do not recognise any resellers and no other organisation is licensed to sell Winetopia tickets. If you do not purchase though these outlets then you risk being refused entry.
8
Tokens, Golden Coins…?
Tokens
Winetopia is all about discovering your new favourite wines from around Aotearoa. Most ticket types include 5 Tokens which you will receive on entry. You can purchase more on the day if required. These have a face value of $2 each and generally will secure you a sample of wine (30ml) from one of more than 50 participating wineries, although some of the more expensive wines may require two tokens.
Gold Coins
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To try a one of the most highly regarded wines in the country that sell for over $100 per bottle, you will need to purchase some Golden Coins. These are $35 for 5 and each Golden Coin will secure you a sample (30ml). The list of wines will be added to the website close to the event time and this will also be published in the event guide given to each attendee. Golden Coins are available as an add-on when you buy your tickets, and on the day if still available.
9
What sort of wines are at Winetopia?
All styles, from all regions of New Zealand. We are not prejudiced based on colour, geography or flavour profile. If it is good, you’ll find it at Winetopia – and there’s a lot of good.
10
Are there Masterclasses this year?
Yes there will be Masterclasses at the Wellington and Auckland events.
Note, Masterclass Tickets do not gain the bearer entry to the main event, you will need a Winetopia entry ticket as well. Please make sure you turn up at the correct time for your masterclass – refunds are not available.
11
Children & Infants
Winetopia is a R18 event. At the security’s discretion infants carried by their parents (eg in a baby sling) may be allowed entry, but please note this is not an environment for small children or prams.
12
Bottle Sales
Most wineries will have bottles for sale which can be taken home (but not opened onsite) and will also take case orders to be delivered to you later. Wineries will have Eftpos facilities to accept cards.
13
Pass Outs
Pass outs available only if absolutely necessary.
14
Can I keep the glass?
Sure! The Spiegelau glass that came with your ticket is free for you to take home after!