New Zealand’s biggest wine tasting event Winetopia 2019 presented by Singapore Airlines, is shaping up for another blockbuster year with events in Auckland and Wellington this winter.
A colourful line-up of wine experts, personalities, masterclasses and the opportunity to sample hundreds of world-class varietals from over 50 renowned vineyards will see thousands of passionate wine lovers flock to this year’s events at Shed 10, Auckland on 14-15 June and TSB Bank Arena, Wellington on 12-13 July.
This year’s programme features ‘share a glass’ talks with personalities including former All Black Murray Mexted in Wellington and former news presenter John Hawkesby in Auckland; food and wine matching masterclasses with top restaurants Paris Butter, Xoong and Monsoon Poon in Auckland and Noble Rot Wine Bar in Wellington; and wine masterclasses from celebrated Australian wine expert Nick Stock and New Zealand Master of Wine Bob Campbell in Auckland and in Wellington, New Zealand’s newest Master of Wine Stephen Wong and head sommelier of iconic Sydney restaurant Icebergs, Gabrielle Webster.
An opportunity for wine lovers to immerse themselves in the best of New Zealand wine, sample your way around 50-plus vineyards, from newcomers Te Kano from Central Otago, Smith & Sheth of Hawkes Bay and Kennedy Point from Waiheke through to esteemed brands including Mt Difficulty, Framingham and Escarpment; match your chosen drops to the finest of cheeses, cured meats and chocolate; and enjoy a live music set from Dillon, Cam and Lou’ana of Two Many Chiefs, who many will recognise from Hipstamatics fame.
Says event organiser Rob Eliott: “Winetopia 2019 is an opportunity to meet with winemakers from all over the country off the back of a fantastic harvest. We are continually impressed by the wine being made here in New Zealand and it seems that every year there is something wonderful to discover. As always, we have a few surprises in store for visitors and we’re going to do everything we can to help people find their new favourite wines to try and take home.”
Says Singapore Airlines General Manager, New Zealand, Kenny Teo, “As an airline we are excited to continue our partnership with Winetopia and work with the likeminded team to showcase some of New Zealand’s best wineries. Food and beverage is the forefront of our customer inflight experience and we take pride in our impressive selection of food and quality wine on-board.
“This year, our Food and Beverage Director along with one of our senior Air Sommeliers will be joining the Wellington event to share their insights and experience when it comes to selecting, tasting and serving wines at altitude.”
In both cities Singapore Airlines will also offer a taste of France for all to enjoy, plus an opportunity for one lucky attendee to win two Economy Class flights to any destination on the Singapore Airlines network. You could visit another of the beautiful wine regions around the world flying Singapore Airlines.
Admission to Winetopia 2019 is from $42 with three sessions in each city: Friday 5:00pm – 8:30pm, Saturday 12:00pm – 3:30pm and 4:30pm – 8:00pm. Admission includes $10 of tasting tokens, a Spiegelau glass to take home (valued at $20) and a free three-month trial to The Real Review website.
Visit www.winetopia.nz for tickets and further information. #winetopiaNZ