Never felt more like singing the blues

It's not often that I find myself endorsing the views of a wine writer, but as Marlborough gears up for Wine Marlborough and Blues, Brews & BBQs, I found myself nodding in agreement while reading Warren Barton's latest column on the Stuff website.

In an article entitled "Kiwis need to learn how to taste", Barton writes: "Why on earth people pay good money to go to wine and food festivals with the sole intention of drinking as much as they can and getting drunk is quite beyond me."

I agree. It's a question I've asked myself many times, about wine and beer events.

With the sole exception of Beervana, the wonderful public beer-tasting event in Wellington last September, I've witnessed a depressing level of overindulgence at every alcohol-related festival I've attended since coming to New Zealand in 1995.

"I thought the object of the exercise was to taste the food and wine, to have a good time and let others have one, too", Barton continues. "But unfortunately, some of these festivals are less about the wonderful foods and wines that we produce in this country than they are about the appalling lack of appreciation that too many New Zealanders have for both, but for wine in particular."

I concur, and would argue that it's just as bad for beer.

As for Blues and Brews, this year the organisers, the Blenheim Round Table, are being proactive in their efforts to minimise overindulgence.

Festival organiser Graeme Boon points out, "We are introducing a low-alcohol site this year, a suggestion we put forward to the licensing committee."

While I commend the Round Tablers, I can't help wondering whether the local licensing committee will also be appeased by the offer of low-alcohol wine stalls at Wine Marlborough?

Promoting a message of appreciation in moderation, but through education, will be Andy Deuchars and Brian Thiel, of Blenheim's Renaissance Brewing.

For the last four years, the two Californians have offered tutored tastings of their fine ales at Blues and Brews. At regular intervals throughout the day, groups will be guided through the Renaissance range, while learning about the ingredients, brewing processes and the different aromas and flavours.

Presented by Andy, head brewer at Renaissance, these tastings are entertaining and informative and I heartily recommend them.

As for myself, as usual I'll be taking the opportunity to sample some of the rarer craft beers. My first port of call is likely to be White Cliffs brewery, which is making its first appearance at this year's festival. The Taranaki-based all-organic brewery changed hands a couple of years ago, and I'm keen to see how its famous roasty Mike's Mild Ale has evolved since I last tried it. Other brewers I'll be sure to visit include Three Boys and Wigram, both from Christchurch, Green Man, from Dunedin, and Brew Moon, from Amberley.

Finally, let's hope for an enjoyable Blues and Brews and that everyone attending remembers the three Rs: respect for self, respect for others and responsibility for all your actions. Cheers!

- The Marlborough Express