By Amy Looker
Hunter Valley-based Poole’s Rock Wines has signed on as the official wine sponsor of the iconic 2010 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival, which kicks off in the harbour city this Friday (19 Feb).
The two-week celebration of gay pride encompasses over 100 vibrant arts and culture events at which Poole’s Rock label, Cockfighter’s Ghost, will be the exclusive wine sponsor.
Poole’s Rock chief executive Mike Grehan, said the partnership will offer enormous exposure to the Cockfighter’s Ghost portfolio of 11 single-varietal wines.
“Cockfighter’s Ghost has been a long-time supporter of cornerstone arts events, and has grown in scale to enable this major commitment to Mardi Gras,” he said. “It is an alliance offering considerable synergies and undoubtedly one that will mean many more wine lovers including interstate and international visitors will discover the legend of Cockfighter’s Ghost.”
CEO of New Mardi Gras, Michael Rolik, said that the partnership is certain to add value to the festival’s calendar of events.
“We put enormous value on our exclusive wine partnership with the popular Cockfighter’s Ghost brand,” said Rolik. “It is an ongoing association that will contribute significantly to our organisation and delivery of various festival events. It’s hard to imagine a better wine match than Cockfighter’s Ghost!”
Over 70,000 people are expected to attend the first major event of the festival on Sunday (21 Feb), when Fair Day takes place in Chippendale’s Victoria Park.
Cockfighter’s Ghost will also feature prominently at a number of major Mardi Gras events, including the parade’s VIP viewing area at Middle Bar, Taylor Square, and the parade after-party.