A top shelf Gin, memorable Mutton and a friendly Avalanche.

Picnic basket. Check. Mum’s old gingham rug. Check. Umbrella. Check.

After a long week, the perfect way to enjoy a local tipple is to plonk down amongst the vines and listen to some Kiwi favourites rock out the beats. The Classic Hits Winery Tour is one of two to grace our many vineyards this summer, catering well for the innocent, the frivolous and the sensible with entertainment from Gin Wigmore, Avalanche City and the re-united Mutton Birds. With a sell-out Saturday, Ascension Estate kicked off with two nights of this nation-wide 16 show tour.

With his trademark cheese cutter atop, the loveable Dave Baxter of Avalanche City continues to win hearts with friendly audience banter and his unassuming smile. Easily recognised by his award winning song Love Love Love, Dave and his band put on a delightful show of simple yet catchy melodic tunes highlighting all their hard work over the past year in the pop spotlight. The bands stage presence was emphasized by the impressive array of instruments including the violin, glockenspiel, accordion and mandolin.

Drizzle. Check.

A kid of the late 80’s, I grew up listening to Don belt out the Mutton Bird classics in the back seat of our blue Nissan on many a family road trip. It was like one big sing-along out there on the damp grass of Matakana and he still has got it good. Ten years since their last gig as a band, it was quite special with them all up there on stage. The band looked at ease on stage, and drummer Ross Burge’s facial expressions showed that stoic kiwi spirit of the band was still there. People didn't seem to mind the drizzle turning to rain and the drop in temperature as the Birds charmed all favourites like Dominion Road, Nature and Anchor Me.

Flask of coffee. Check.

Oozing with attitude, headliner Gin Wigmore arrived on stage with a cheeky grin, and fish net stockings. Her latest album Gravel & Wine seemed fitting for this wine tour, and we all know this little lady loves a drink or two. With a tendency for her songs to touch on past emotions, she effortlessly brought the crowd forward with her strong and stylistic vocals and swing of the hips.

Gin’s potty mouth on stage was perhaps slightly inappropriate for the family friendly crowd, however with a school girl outfit on and twinkling eyes, she gets away with it easily. Her subtle and somewhat sly lyrics “once you go back you never go black” in Black Sheep got the shimmy on from many. Unsurprisingly, both young and old seemed to know the words to the majority of her songs and it was magic seeing everyone out there having a good time. A top shelf Gin indeed.

Fairy lights on stage. Check.

By Olivia Young

The Classic Hits Winery Tour is on throughout the month of February, finishing up at Villa Maria Estate in Auckland on Saturday 3rd March.