“Oor wee Fest...”

The inception of DramFest.

Michael and Stella Fraser Milne, owners of Whisky Galore in Christchurch and Founders of DramFest.

Michael and Stella were motivated not only by a desire to spread the whisky gospel but also provide whisky enthusiasts from around the country with the opportunity to learn more about whisky and meet the people behind the brands.

The first DramFest took place in the Limes Room at the Town Hall in 2007 with just over 100 different whiskies represented at the event. 18 years later our 9th festival hosted over 4,000 people at Te Pae, Convention Centre with over 400 whisk(e)y and rums, and a huge number of visiting industry experts.

DramFest 2025 - an overview

Our 9th festival at the Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch held over the 28th February, the 1st & 2nd of March 2025.

DramFest 2025 saw over 4,000 people decent upon the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch over 3 days in glorious late Summer weather. With over 400 whiskies and rums available to try at the event, we are proud to call this our biggest selection of drams to date. We had on offer; tasting sessions, forums, cooper demonstrations, the return of the Nosing Competition and a host of amazing experts who travelled from far and wide to impart their knowledge at the festival.

For us DramFest has, and always will be, about the people. The rich tapestry of exhibitors, overseas guests, volunteers, and most importantly you, our whisky attendees is nothing short of a joy to behold. People from all walks of life, different countries (in some cases different continents), different tastes - all coming together to celebrate something that is more than the drams on show, it is the collective camaraderie found in spirits shared. Whisky family and friends old and new, we raise a glass to you and say thank you for making DramFest all that it is!

To see the official DramFest 2025 photos, click here.

Here are a few snaps from our previous events…