Millton and Castagna are Australasia's pioneering biodynamic wineries. James Millton started New Zealand's first organic and biodynamic wine estate in 1984, on the banks of the Te Arai river near Gisbourne. His Clos de Ste. Anne wines are some of the finest (and hardest to find) wines in New Zealand. Julian Castagna had a successful career in film and advertising, before planting his vineyards in 1996 at 500m altitude in Beechworth Victoria. James Millton was his early mentor, and was a powerful influence on the possibility of biodynamics. These are some of the most exciting (and un Australian) wines in Australia, with a style and precision all of their own. For the very first (and probably only) time , these two inspiring winemakers will be presenting a tasting together. This will be a fantastic evening of stunning wine and insights not to be missed.

Pairing wine expertise and refined design, this special glass is a result of a collaboration between product designer Richard Brendon, and renowned wine expert Jancis Robinson MW. This Wine Glass has been specifically designed to offer the best tasting experience for every wine, whatever its colour, style or strength, including things like Champagne and port. Made from mouth blown crystal the glass is ultra-fine, but remarkably strong, putting the wine drinker in intimate contact with the wine. We will have David Nash the New Zealand importer here to guide us through the glass tasting, while Regan McCaffery presents the wines.This will be unique, in that we have specially selected top wines that vary tremendously in flavour and texture, so we can put this glass through it's paces. Henri Giraud L'Espirit De Giraud Brut Nature, Josmeyer Hengst Riesling Grand Cru 2015, Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Chartron Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru VV 2016, Wild Earth 'Earth & Sky' Pinot Noir 2014, Biondi Santi Morellino di Scansano 2012, AALTO Ribera del Duero 2015, Chateau Sarget de Gruaud Larose 2015. Only 15 places available for this first tasting so book quickly!

Mumm Champagne has been at the heart of the Champagne region since before 1827. Originally from Germany the Mumm family was already in the wine business but they were attracted to Champagne byt the quality of the outstanding sparkling wines in the Champagne district. From the outset quality was the watchword and so it has remained for all it's successors. This approach is encapsualted in the motto penned by Georges Herman Mumm-"only the best". We are lucky to have Ophelie the Brand Ambassador for Maison Mumm on hand to not only share the history but take us through fabulous range ofChampagne from NV to Prestige.

Maverick Wines was established in 2004 by Ronald Brown. The objective was and is, to be one of the top artisanal boutique wineries in Australia. Although young, Maverick owns 75 acres of vineyards from the top terroirs across the Barossa and Eden Valleys. Approximately half of the vines are over 100 years old, and many much older - their Ahrens' Creek Vineyard at Vine Vale has 1840's Semillon, 1840's Grenache, and 1870's Shiraz, while in the adjoining Barossa Ridge Vineyard they have Riesling from the 1860's! For decades the fruit from these vineyards went into the top names of the Australian wine industry. The combination of full biodynamic viticulture with zero chemicals, old vines and dry farming, results in very low yields which give a pure and intense fruit, with lower alcohols and greater finesse and elegance. Their unashamed goal is to always over-deliver, by producing small lots of genuinely hand-crafted products which will always denote outstanding value, regardless of commercial considerations. The winery is aptly named, as Brown is every bit the Maverick. Before he found these historic Barossa vineyards, he lived in the far east for over 30 years, running the Jardine Matheson wine and spirit desk for China and Japan. He then started his own wine importation and brand company in Japan, establishing a wine magazine, founding Japans most renowned wine bar Tastevin Aoyama, as well as setting up and chairing the Japan International Wine Challenge and the China International Wine Challenge. He is also a huge charity supporter, and now has his own called ‘Wine into water’ that build wells for communities around the world. Ronald himself will be here in Wellington to present these stunning wines. Prepare to have some of your notions of Australian wine challenged!

Pyramid Valley have been arguably New Zealand's most exciting and interesting producer for the last decade. But there's been a lot of change in North Canterbury over the last year, since this very special property was purchased by Brian Seth and Steve Smith MW. We went down recently and there was tension in the air, would the wines be as good? No need to worry, they are every bit as good, and so much is better! Everything is still biodynamically grown and made, but with more precision and clarity, as well as some exciting new wines! There are two clear ranges, the Appellation Series – from various growers and parts of NZ, all made at Pyramid. Then there’s the Botanical Series – four wines from the four very distinct parts of Pyramid Valley itself. The team also includes Huw Kinch (previous winemaker for Escarpment) who will be hosting this 2019 release for us.

We will be tasting: Pyramid Valley Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Marlbrough Chardonnay 2017, North Canterbury "Orange" 2018, Field of Fire Chardonnay 2016, Lions Tooth Chardonnay 2016, Central Otago Pinot Noir 2017, Earth Smoke Pinot Noir 2016, Angel Flower Pinot Noir 2016.