Miss A and I being drinking wine among the vines a few years back.

In the last year, a new phase in my wine drinking has developed. I don’t drink as much, but every time I take my first sip of wine, I sigh aloud: “I loooooove wine”. I can’t help it. A glass of wine is classy, relaxing, social and delicious. It demands to be appreciated.

I used to drink red or white, but these days I am a staunch red wine drinker. I’ll always pass on the white but I’ll drink any red. Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cab Sav, Syrah, Shiraz, Malbec. Oh yes.

This weekend is Wine AKL. I’ve never been before but it looks a bit like Taste, except instead of a celebration of our loveliest restaurants, it is a celebration of our wine makers (and wine drinkers). As part of the Auckland Restaurant Month celebrations, the wine glitterati of NZ will be there talking all about wine. Over 60 of New Zealand’s wine makers will be represented.

Entertainment provided by Base FM DJ Murry Sweetpants.

Reasonably priced food provided by Euro’s pop-up restaurant.

Pop Up Menu

1. Can of Moroccan pate with fig and masala confit with half a baguette
 $12
   To be matched with a Pinot Gris
2. Bowl of Cloudy Bay clam chowder with Indian mascarpone $10
   To be matched with a Chardonnay
3. Serrano ham with half a baguette and truffle mushroom mascarpone 
$12
   
To be matched with a Sauvignon Blanc
4. Creamy Paglierina cheese with a half a baguette, artichokes & Barolo olives 
$14
   
To be matched with a Pinot Noir
5. Silver Fern Farms lamb rump with pea & mint pannacotta, confit garlic, anchovy and baby cos 
$14
   To be matched with a Syrah
6. Truffle and parmesan fries $6

Since the truffle and parmesan fries has no match suggestion, I’m going to go ahead and suggest Champagne.

I’m probably going to faux pax all over the show since I like the look of the white wine dishes but I’ll be drinking them with reds.

Wine AKL
Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
Saturday 16 August. Session 1: 12pm – 3pm. Session 2: 4pm – 7pm
Sunday 17 August. Session 3: 2pm – 6pm

Ticket includes a tasting glass, your first 5 tastings and a wine guide. Access to all of the Wine 101 and Sommelier Sessions talks is included in your ticket price.

Buy tickets online for $25+bf here.
Door sales $30

More info on Wine AKL on their event page here or their Facebook event page here.