Vintage New Zealand

Che Fu, Boh Runga,Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn gear up for their winery tour. Photo / Richard Robinson

What is likely to be one of the biggest tours of the summer reunites Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn and Bic Runga for a reprise of the combined show they took around the country nearly a decade ago and which delivered a hit live album.

The three - with support from Boh Runga and Che Fu - will make an 18-date tour of vineyards and outdoor venues. They start with two nights at Matakana's Ascension Wine Estate on February 5 and 6 and end at Mangere's Villa Maria Estate a month later, having played as far south as Arrowtown's Millbrook Resort.

Finn says unlike the trio's 2000 winter jaunt of town halls and theatres together, the different season will ensure it's not a repeat of last time.

"This is a summer run in outdoor settings, so we have a chance to revisit without having to re-create. Dave, Bic and I are working on the new show already, and are excited by the creative possibilities."

Says Bic: "We've started by sitting at each other's places, just harmony singing with guitars, it's such a nice thing to do with old friends. Dave and Tim's songs are so beautiful to sing, to really get inside of. After 10 years there's so much understanding of what the other does, we're really lucky in a way. I can't wait to be on the road together again."

Finn has just released a compilation of his career and Dobbyn is due to celebrate 30 years in the business with a new collection, Beside You, to be released early next month.

Promoter Brent Eccles says the shows, sponsored by More FM, will be well served by public transport for those wishing to partake of the venues' vintages.

"Demand for bus transport to the venues has grown as people want to leave the car at home, have a few wines and enjoy the night. We have more bus and ticket packages on offer in each region in 2010."

Tickets ($70 plus booking fee for early buyers, accompanied children under 12 free) go on sale on Monday November 2. For more info: www.winerytour.co.nz.