MEDIA RELEASE
The Langham Toasts Martinborough Winemakers with Lucky Degustation
(Auckland – 18 September 2008)
Thirteen will be the lucky number for those attending a unique winemakers’ dinner in October at The Langham, Auckland.
On 13 October, a stunning nine-course degustation dinner, created exclusively for Partingtons at The Langham, will be
matched with 13 Martinborough wines and hosted by 13 Martinborough winemakers.
While the night itself is a unique event with all winemakers present, for those diners who cannot attend on the 13th,
this special degustation and wine matching experience will continue through until
Monday 1 December.
The Langham’s food and beverage manager, Alastair Mead says the winemakers’ dinner marks the start of a six-week long
celebration of Martinborough wines at the hotel.
“Martinborough wines will feature as part of the degustation menu but will also be available in The Winery at The
Langham, which already has available over 60 different wines by the glass. We are delighted to be associated with this
event and pleased to welcome the 13 winemakers to Auckland for this very special occasion,” says Mr Mead.
Wines will include new vintage releases and award-winning varietals. Martinborough’s flagship Pinot Noir will be
complemented by Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling, and several leading Martinborough winemakers from
the likes of Ata Rangi, Escarpment and Palliser will attend.
Wine from Martinborough’s general manager, Rachael Fletcher, says the dinner provides those who have not sampled the
best that Martinborough has to offer, a chance to do so in a luxurious setting, matched with equally outstanding
cuisine.
“Pinot Noir has firmly established itself as Martinborough’s signature variety but the region is equally renowned for
producing premium wines across a range of varietals, this is a chance for wine lovers to taste and appreciate the unique
Martinborough style of not only Pinot Noir, but also Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling,”says Ms
Fletcher.
Wines From Martinborough have also donated two tickets to the highly sought after Toast Martinborough festival to be
held on Sunday on 16 November. The package also includes flights ex Auckland and two night’s accommodation at a
Wellington hotel along with transfers to the festival. Two lucky people who book and enjoy the degustation at
Partingtons prior to 12 November will go into the draw to win this great prize.
The nine-course degustation dinner and wine match, on Monday 13 October will cost $235.00 per person. The private dining
room located in Partingtons at The Langham, which seats a maximum of twelve guests, will be available for $250.00 per
person and will have two winemakers present throughout the evening. Winemakers will move amongst all the tables during
the event, so each guest will have the exclusive opportunity to hear first hand from the winemakers.
Reservations for the dinner on 13 October are essential and can be made by calling The Langham on
09 300 2809 or by emailing: denise.andrade@langhamhotels.com.
Accommodation packages will also be available at The Langham for guests who wish to combine this gastronomic experience
with a night’s accommodation in this five-star luxury hotel. For more information please refer to
www.langhamhotels.co.nz or tel: 0800 61 62 61.
Bookings for the Wines From Martinborough degustation running from 14 October – 1 December, 2008 at Partingtons at The
Langham can be made by calling tel: 09 300 2885 or emailing: akl.partingtons@langhamauckland.com The price of the
degustation with matching wines during this period will be $205.00 per person.
ENDS
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Notes for Editors: The wineries and vineyards involved in the Wines From Martinborough Auckland celebration include
Alana Estate, Ata Rangi, Craggy Range, Escarpment Vineyard, Martinborough Vineyard, Murdoch James Estate, Nga Waka
Wines, Palliser Estate, Te Hera, Te Kairanga, The Cabbage Tree Vineyard, Tiwaiwaka Wines and Vynfields.
For further information about The Langham, Auckland please refer to www.langhamhotels.co.nz