Last night we delved head first into our first wine tasting event. Celebrating the launch of Curious Wines, this one had to be a bit special, and indeed it was!

With our stock of New Zealand’s best just off the boat, forty special guests got tucked into twelve different Kiwi wines, including nine whites in the form of Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, and finishing off with three reds – two Pinot Noir and one Syrah.

We were delighted to welcome Joyce Austin, of New Zealand Boutique Wines, who really took the evening to another level. Apart from being incredibly informative, she whipped up great excitement and enthusiasm, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere. There was plenty of discussion and debate regarding the best wine on the night, but it was great to see so many people discover new favourites.

There was a mysterious wine thrown into the mix and one lucky attendee will win a case of New Zealand’s best for Christmas. We will announce our winner within the next week and will keep you posted on future wine tastings through our wine club, which is free to join. Simply sign up for our newsletter and you will be the first to know about up and coming events, bin-end specials and much, much more.

For everyone who attended and anyone who wants to play along at home, the following are the wines tasted on the night (in order):

• Tussock Sauvignon Blanc 2007
• Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc 2008
• Waipara Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2008
• Tussock Pinot Gris 2007
• Greenhough Gewurztraminer 2008
• Waipara Springs Chardonnay 2007
• Waipara Springs Premo Dry Riesling 2006
• Coney Ragtime (off-dry) Riesling 2007
• Muddy Water James Hardwick (medium) Riesling
• Greenhough Pinot Noir 2006
• Waipara Springs Premo Pinot Noir 2006
• Bilancia Syrah 2007

If you attended on the night or have your very own stores of any of these wine tasting night favourites, we’d love to know what you think of this grand kiwi tribe.