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Thousands of people spent Waitangi evening camped out on a rug among the grapevines at Matakana last night - enjoying a glass of wine, platter of tasty nibbles and relaxing to the sounds of Kiwi musicians.
An estimated 2000 people flocked to Ascension Wine Estate for the start of the nationwide More FM Winery Tour which features Dave Dobbyn, Opshop and Anika Moa.
On Thursday night Dobbyn, Moa and Hollie Smith entertained a similar sized crowd in a show that was only announced after last night's sold out so quickly in December.
Ascension food and beverage manager Guido Paseri said the shows were hugely popular with hundreds of families gathering for up to an hour before the gates even opened.
"Everyone seems to enjoy it," he said. 'It's just lovely because you come here with a blanket and ... listen to good music. There's good weather and you sit down in 15 acres amongst the vines - it's lovely."
Mr Paseri said Dobbyn was his favourite act on Thursday night and he was eagerly anticipating Opshop's arrival last night.
This is the third year the vineyard has hosted the start of the Winery Tour.
Situated just 45 minutes from Auckland, Matakana has become a trendy weekend getaway spot - partly due to its vineyards and popular Farmers Market which is held every Saturday.
The nationwide Winery Tour runs until March 1 when it finishes at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown.
For more information visit www.thewinerytour.co.nz
