Press Release: Wednesday 2nd March, 2016
Welcome to WINETOPIA – the Greatest Celebration of New Zealand Wine
700 New Zealand wineries can’t be wrong and this 20-21 May thousands of people will have the opportunity to dive in
amongst some of our very best and search for their favourite drop.WINETOPIA presented by Singapore Airlines is an event where imaginations will run wild, personalities come alive and all the senses will be satiated.
WINETOPIA presented by Singapore Airlines is coming to Shed 10 in Auckland’s CBD for two big days of celebration. This is the most comprehensive public wine
tasting event in the country with all major regions represented along with food matching, sommelier-led tasting classes
and live music at the end of the session to round off the experience.
Recently awarded the 2015 Business Traveller Gold Medal for Best overall Wine Cellar, as well as the Gold Medal for Best
First Class and Best Business Class Sparkling, Singapore Airlines is proud to be able to continue its long standing
commitment to fine wine and food through supporting WINTOPIA.
“We constantly strive to ensure we have the finest selection of wines and cuisine on board our aircraft and we look
forward to presenting some of the very best wines New Zealand has to offer to our customers and the general public at
WINETOPIA,” says Simon Turcotte, General Manager, Singapore Airlines New Zealand.
WINETOPIA is created by Lemongrass Productions, the company that produces Restaurant Month, Street Eats and the Taste of
Auckland Festival. “The wine scene here has quickly become one of the most exciting things about New Zealand, with
almost 700 wineries now spread the length of the country,” says Claire Baudinet, Marketing Manager for Lemongrass Productions.
“We are loving this opportunity to bring some of our rock-star wine makers together, just after harvest to share some of
their most delicious bottles with thousands of people at WINETOPIA presented by Singapore Airlines,” she said.
The event’s previous incarnation as Wine AKL ran during Restaurant Month in the Heart of the City. As the Restaurant
Month schedule continues to expand, becoming a stand-alone event provides the opportunity for this national wine
celebration to grow
WINETOPIA presented by Singapore Airlines is a unique tasting format – visitors literally taste their way through wine regions of the country in one afternoon or
evening, discovering exciting new varietals, food matches and intriguing personalities in the process. They can then
purchase full bottles or cases to take away and cellar or enjoy during the winter months.
Nick Stock the Australian travel-holic wine guru is ambassador for the event and fantastic award-winning wineries including
Elephant Hill, Villa Maria, Trinity Hill and Left Field.
“WINETOPIA is a great place to discover new wines, new foods and new friends - a fantastic opportunity to "try before
you buy" the best wines from the country's best winemakers and with a really fun festive vibe.
“I look forward to meeting you there,” said Baudinet.
The event is organised into three sessions: Friday 20 May 5:00PM - 8:30PM, Saturday 21 May, from 12:00PM - 3.30PM and
Saturday 4.30PM - 8PM.
Tickets go on sale from 14 March at winetopia.nz and include the first five wine tastings plus a wine glass. Food offerings will be purchased with cash on the day.
Further line-up and scheduling announcements will be made in the coming weeks.
WINETOPIA is proud to have the support of MINDFOOD Magazine purveyors of intelligent, inspirational ideas and
information.
#winetopiaNZ
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WINETOPIA Key Information:
Dates: Friday 20 May 5:00PM - 8:30PM, Saturday 21 May, from 12:00PM - 3.30PM and Saturday4.30PM - 8PM.
Venue: Shed 10, Queens Wharf, 89 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Key Metrics: 3,500 visitors over two days. Wineries from throughout New Zealand.
Ticketing Information: The first Ridiculously Good Value Tickets go on sale 15 March and are $20 (+ booking fee) –
includes x5 tastings + wine glass. After the first limited tickets are snatched up, tickets will be $30 (+ booking fee)
– includes x5 tastings + wine glass. Tickets available through iTicket.
About Lemongrass Productions
Lemongrass Productions is a New Zealand based event business that creates memorable experiences for passionate people.
Organisers of corporate events, the Taste of Auckland Festival, Restaurant Month in the Heart of the City, Wine AKL,
Street Eats, corporate events and more projects from recent years including Top Gear Live (RIP).
About Nick Stock
Nick Stock is one of Australia’s most respected wine critics. His deep involvement in wine stretches well beyond wine
writing to show-judg¬ing, educating, broadcasting and winemaking. His wealth of knowl¬edge extends to all corners of the
wine world and this, combined with his frank and fearless style, has made him one of the most popu¬lar Australian wine
writers. He makes this highly complex subject enjoyable and intriguing, an approach that has earned him interna¬tional
acclaim. Nick was awarded Best Drinks Journalist at the 2007 Le Cordon Bleu World Food Media Awards.