Oyster Bay Celebrates Perfect Partnership

Oyster Bay proved it really has found the perfect partner in the iconic New Zealand Bluff oyster when thousands of seafood lovers swarmed to the town of Bluff, the Southern-most point on New Zealand's South Island, to relish the ideal combination of Oyster Bay wines and Southland's unique array of seafood delicacies at the 2006 Oyster Bay Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival.

Oyster Bay is the official sponsor of, and wine supplier to, this world-class festival which is an annual event, showcasing Southland's best seafood and fine wines and providing great live music and entertainment. This year, the festival featured an exclusive Oyster Bay wine bar for visitors to be able to savour our Super-Premium wines with the stunning selection of seafood dishes provided by 20 local food establishments, including Blue Cod and scallop chowder, pickled paua and freshly-shucked Bluff oysters, to name a few on offer.

"The outstanding quality of all aspects of this year's festival - from the exceptional seafood and locally crafted specialities, to the entertainment and overall event presentation - truly reinforced why this festival is world-class and renowned for being the best event of its kind," says Jonas Steen, Oyster Bay Brands and Communications Manager.

Venture Southland's Marketing Manager John Grant says the presence of an international wine brand like Oyster Bay adds an exciting dynamic to the festival and that he is delighted with the enthusiasm and satisfaction shown by visitors who came from near and far. He says one group of European tourists who took part in this year's festival survey commented that the 2006 Oyster Bay Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival was one of the best they festivals they had ever attended in the world."

Mr Steen says the people of Southland have a great deal to be proud of and are delivering a world-class and unique event that is a must on the international wine and food calendar.