NZ Sommeliers Christmas Drinks 2025
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On Monday December 1, we welcomed over 50 people, including colleagues from New Zealand Chefs Association & New Zealand Foodwriters and Communicators to the NZ Sommerliers & wine profressionals' final wine tasting of 2025, paired with spectacular canapés prepared by NZSFW cookery students.
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Our NZSFW Cookery Level 4 & 5 students prepared the following canapés under guidance of Chef Finn:
White asparagus with Kafaita with zucchini and tzatziki
Scallops with passion fruit and brown butter with blueberry pearls
Prawns with stuffed tomato on rosemary skewer
Tatar of venison with tartare and chips
Confit de canard on Maxim with dates and orange compote
Christmas pudding with pav and strawberry
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Franck Laruelle's Hospitality Level 4 students from L-R, Raj Parikh pouring Peter Maud wines, Campbell Norton pouring Esses bubbles from Method Marlborough, and Te Haerenga Nak-Greenland serving the Tatar of venison with tartare and chips canapés.
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Hunters Miru Miru & Esses Kaikoura from Method Marlborough.
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Gimblett Gravels 2023 Vintage Selection
This vintage comprises 4 blended reds and 2 Syrahs, as follows:
- 2023 Church Road Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc
- 2023 Čuvar Guardians Cabernet Merlot Malbec
- 2023 Mission Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2023 Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Merlot Malbec
- 2023 Elephant Hill Stone Syrah
- 2023 Stonecroft Reserve Syrah
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Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection
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Many thanks to No1 Family Estate for a selection of Christmas bubbles.
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L-R; From AUT John Kelleher, Mario, Ronald Liew from Indevin. Kat, Oliver (NZ Sommeliers Treasurer), Alex with Franck with Peter Maude Chablis. Katharine Maude of Peter Maude Fine Wines with Lauraine Jacobs.
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Celia with Felicity Kidd, Pearl from Villa Maria and Helen Evans. Suraj & Samira, Committee members Karen Fistonich & Andrea Martinisi.
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New members Guy Kidd, Nic White and partner Luke with Joao Marreiros. Nick and Lucy Flanagan. Christine Marsh & Tony Willians with Murray Jacobs.
