Auckland winery gears up for Cocker gig

Villa Maria Estate Winery in Auckland is set to host a Joe Cocker concert on 28 January 2008. This is an exciting development for the winery, as it will now become the largest outdoor winery setting in Auckland city available for big concerts.

To make way for the crowds, removal of a number of vines is already underway and with the vineyard positioned at the centre of a volcanic crater, the area will develop in to a natural amphitheatre. The stage will be placed between two 25 year old Willows and the surrounding area is adorned by trees to provide shade for patrons.

Managing Director and founder of Villa Maria, George Fistonich, was happy to approve these changes following months of evaluation: “This is a major transformation for the winery and means there is the opportunity for Villa Maria to host even bigger acts in the future”. The Joe Cocker concert is expecting to attract more than 7000 visitors to Villa Maria Estate.

Other concerts planned for Villa Maria Estate include the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) on 16 February 2008 and Hayley Westernra on 24 February 2008. Further concerts are also in the wings.

To find out more, visit Villamaria.co.nz.