Festival Writers to taste Man O’ War Wines

6th May 2009

Writers in town for this month’s 2009 Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, which runs from the 14th to 17th of May, will be introduced to some of New Zealand’s best wine, grown and produced on nearby Waiheke Island. Man O’ War winemakers are the Festival’s wine sponsors, and over 100 well-known national and international writers will be served some of the very best wine New Zealand has to offer while they’re in Auckland.

The 2009 Auckland Writers and Readers Festival packs in more than 50 separate events over four days and is expected to attract a record audience in 2009, with overall ticket sales up more than 40% on 2008. World class wines from the spectacular Man O’ War vineyards, located on the eastern end of Waiheke Island, will be served to Festival writers at select Festival events, including the Opening Night celebration, after the popular New Zealand Listener Opening Night on Thursday 14th May at the Aotea Centre.

“We are really excited about being involved with the 2009 Auckland Writers and Readers Festival and look forward to being part of it,” says Bronwyn Skuse from Man O’ War Vineyards. “With record numbers expected, and lots of international guests in the programme, we are delighted to offer them the opportunity to sample some of the very best wine New Zealand has to offer.”

Staff writer for the New Yorker and celebrated fashion and culture journalist Judith Thurman will be a star attraction. The first event of the 2009 Festival programme is a sell-out lunch with Judith Thurman on Thursday May 14th at Soul Bar in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour. As the festival’s wine sponsor, Man O’ War wine will be served.
Another highlight of the 2009 Auckland Writers and Readers Festival is the announcement of the winners of the 2009 Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book and Best Book Awards. The winners, who will be announced from four finalists in each of the two categories, will receive a magnum of local wine from Man O’ War.

Man O’ War boasts a pristine and beautiful spread of coastal hillsides with high cliffs and stunning beaches, and features 150 acres of vines strategically placed in 90 individual blocks. Within easy reach of the city and producing world class wines since 1993, Man O’ War’s support of the 2009 Auckland Readers and Writers Festival provides organisers with the opportunity to offer their guests a unique taste of New Zealand that will undoubtedly impress.

Anyone can go in the draw for Man O’ War wine giveaways by visiting Man O’ War’s exciting new website; go to www.manowarvineyards.co.nz and sign up to become a friend of Man O’ War to be in the draw to win.

Websites
2009 Auckland Writers and Readers Festival Website: www.writersfestival.co.nz
Man O’War Website: www.manowarvineyards.co.nz

For more information
Bronwyn SkuseMan O’War Vineyards
Tel. 021 619 051
Email. bronwyn@manowarvineyards.co.nz