Winetopia Wellington is taking place on 7 – 8 June at TSB Arena. The event features wineries from all over the country and for the first time an international food and drinks section. Almost a quarter of the exhibitor line-up is brand new to the event, with brands such as Monte Christo of Central Otago, Čuvar from Hawke’s Bay and Brokenchack from Barossa. Visitors will also get to discover high-quality Japanese Sake and Filliers Genever (a juniper flavoured spirit originating from Belgium).
Every ticket purchased to Winetopia Wellington before 29 May will go in the draw to attend a special Dream Room Masterclass hosted by Master of Wine Stephen Wong. Wines in this very special masterclass include the Church Road 2015 TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot and the Craggy Range 2009 Le Sol Syrah. The wines in this masterclass collectively retail at more than $900, if you can find them. While the Dream Room Masterclass is reserved for just 20 lucky prize-winning ticketholders, talks at the Main Stage will also unpick what gives these wines their cult collector status.
Visitors this year will find a new dining area at the event serviced by some of Wellington’s top chefs cooking up their signature dishes. The line-up consists of Apache Restaurant, Rosella Wine Bar and Glou Glou. With Winetopia open during dinner time on Friday, lunch and dinner on Saturday, attendees will have plenty of food options to choose from.
Dishes being served at Winetopia include a Pulled Pork Doughnut or the Panisses, Taramasalata and Caviar from Glou Glou - the new Espresso & Wine Bar on Allen Street from the team at Food Envy. From long-standing Vietnamese favourite, Apache, there will be Bao Buns with fried chicken, kaffir lime, 5 spice and firecracker or the Salmon Parcels with dill, coriander and yuzu soy. Rosella – the new sister restaurant of Koji (also on Majoribanks Street) has a menu inspired by the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa and visitors can try several of their signature dishes including the Kingfish Crudo with preserved lemon and chardonnay sauce vierge. All that is left to decide on is which of the 200 wines at Winetopia will match the dishes best.
A Winetopia event would not be complete without the talks and tastings which are this year being led by Stephen Wong MW, Joelle Thomson, Caitlin Perlman and Angelo Minelli. Talks on the Main stage are designed to be accessible for all with subjects like Top Wine Destinations and Wine Battles where wine styles are pitched against each other with the audience deciding the winner. For those wanting more, a second stage called “The Deep Dive” will offer further discussions on topics like “Tasting the Landscape” and “Baller Pinots.” To round off the entertainment at the end of each session, local ensemble Vincent Vega Music will play a live set based on Quintin Tarantino’s hit soundtracks.
American Express is partnering with Winetopia in 2024. Premium ticket holders can sip and savour the finest vintages in the comfort of the brand new and exclusive American Express Premium Lounge, while being hosted by Wine Guru, Mermaid Mary. American Express Card Members and premium ticket holders can also expect a range of bonuses available at the event including priority entry, Cloudy Bay Pelorus NV on arrival and complimentary coat check.
Winetopia Auckland takes place the following month on 26 & 27 July at the Viaduct Events Centre with the content line-up yet to be announced. Tickets to both events are available from $45 including a Spiegelau wine glass, five tasting tokens and all Main stage talks and entertainment. See www.winetopia.co.nz.
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