Take That star Gary Barlow has stated his love for wine leaves him feeling as "passionate" as his music. The singer, aged 55, who has hosted several food and travel television programmes in recent years, embarked on his latest "epic adventure" across New Zealand alongside comedian Jason Manford. During Gary Barlow’s Food And Wine Tour: New Zealand, the pair taste local fare while visiting chefs, winemakers, producers and communities, uncovering how gastronomy connects people, personal stories and the natural world.
Speaking in an interview with the Press Association, Barlow explained the inspiration behind his enthusiasm for travelling across the globe to seek out these novel experiences. He said: “First and foremost, these shows for me are about the wine, and the food is obviously a pairing with that. They can’t be, because it’s very difficult to make money.
It’s the way that music has been for me – that’s what’s always drawn me to wine.” New subscribers only. £9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
He added: “When I’m doing any of these trips to watch and listen to people who are passionate about what they do, I just love that. Barlow told PA he chose Manford as his travel companion because he wanted someone he already knew and liked. He said the decision was made when the comedian told him he knew “nothing about wine”, adding: “Perfect, because then he can learn while the audience are watching.
When we weren’t being filmed, we were having breakfast or dinner together. It was just a really lovely trip. We knew each other, but we didn’t know each other that well – but we just had a ball.” Barlow said the two-week experience filming together was “really sweet” and “very special”.
They visited locations such as Auckland, Waiheke Island, Queenstown, Central Otago, Marlborough Sounds and Hawke’s Bay to discover new foods, landscapes and experiences. They also immersed themselves in New Zealand culture and experienced Maori traditions, taking on new challenges such as zip-lining through a native forest and tandem cycling together through vineyards. The series comes after Gary Barlow’s Wine Tour: South Africa in 2024, and Gary Barlow’s Food And Wine Tour: Australia – which aired last year.
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