On The Grapevine March 2011

Five Chefs for Canterbury

Villa Maria is hosting a Canterbury Earthquake fund raising dinner at Villa Maria Estate Auckland on Sunday 20th March at 12.00pmA. Five of New Zealand’s top chefs and Villa Maria are joining together to raise money for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Chefs participating are Des Harris of Clooney, Sid Sahrawat of Sidart, Michael Meredith of Merediths, Mike Van De Elzen of Molten and Stephen Ward of O’Connell Street Bistro. They will be assisted by Jonny Schwass chef and owner of Restaurant Schwass in Christchurch. Restaurant Schwass has been destroyed by the earthquake.

Book now to enjoy a seven-course luncheon matched with Villa Maria’s award winning wines.
Tickets are limited to 200, cost is $250 per person, and 100% of all proceeds will go to the Earthquake Appeal.

To book go to www.villamaria.co.nz/chefsforcanterbury or phone 09 255 0660 payment by credit card only.

Vintage 2011 Underway

Picking of the first grapes from this year’s vintage is now underway.

Northland Pinot Gris was picked a week or so ago, and in Marlborough and Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir for sparkling is the first off the vines.

Most regions are happy with the quality so far, but until all varieties are picked sometime around the end of April or early May, and the end result is safely in the tank most winemakers will praying for no more rain.

The big question this year is about quantity, a smaller vintage, especially of Sauvignon Blanc is required to help get the supply and demand situation back in balance.

Some big rainfalls this weekend may advance the picking schedules in some regions but at least it looks like a fine sunny week to follow. Cool nights and dry sunny days from now on are the recipe for a successful vintage.