News & Articles
Stay updated with news and highlights from our events. You’ll find in-depth articles, speaker spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories, and tips to make the most of your event experience.
Event Blog & Archives
Tasting Notes – Chardonnay
Gone are the days of ABC – Anything But Chardonnay – and New Zealand Chardonnays are making a real splash on the international stage. At a tasting in London in early October the great wine critic Jancis Robinson declared NZ Chardonnays some of the best in the world...
From Rugby to Vineyards
A 30-Year Love Affair with Treviso Sir John Kirwan’s connection to Italy began three decades ago when he moved there to play and coach rugby. He settled in Treviso, a charming town in Northern Italy’s Veneto region. His wife was born there, his children grew up there,...
Organic Magic at Ash Ridge
Tucked away in the world-famous Bridge Pa Triangle wine-growing district of Hawke's Bay, Ash Ridge Winery stands as a shining example of what happens when passion meets sustainable stewardship. This boutique, family-owned estate—lovingly run by owner-operators Leith...
Discover Takapoto Estate
Nestled on the picturesque shores of Lake Karāpiro in the Waikato region near Cambridge, New Zealand, Takapoto Estate is much more than a boutique vineyard. Spanning 600 acres of rolling, terraced landscape, this sprawling property serves as an extraordinary...
Spanish Wine Tasting
Event Summary of October TastingMoristel is one of the world's rarest grapes - it grows only in a tiny region of the Pyrennes. This Principio suggests smokey-woodsy red fruits, light charred chestnut leaves and fine sour cherry/dried cranberry.Godelia Viernes Godelo -...
Everything that Sparkles
Pt. 2 – other sparklersGuest Blog Post by Carlene WilsonWhile my French friends die a little inside each time it happens; its fairly common to refer to almost any sparkling wine as champagne. Champagne though is a very specific beverage; made only in a small region of...
Aperitivo Hour
Without a doubt the best hour of the day!I love the European tradition of a light snack and a glass of something nice at the end of the work day. That’s Aperitivo Hour. The time before dinner, winding down, catching up on news with friends and family. In Spain...
Everything That Sparkles
Pt. 1 – the traditional methodGuest Blog Post by Carlene WilsonIf you’re anything like me then if there’s a life event to celebrate – you want a glass of bubbles! An old colleague used to have a bottle of bubbles every Friday night, just because! I definitely like to...
Wine Tasting – busting the myths
... and explaining the etiquetteGuest Blog Post by Carlene WilsonPeople often tell me they know nothing about wine. Or that all they can think about when they taste a wine is if they like it or not. Or that it tastes of grapes! Wine tasting can seem like an...
What’s all the fuss about natural wines?
Guest Blog Post by Carlene WilsonEverybody seems to be talking about natural wines and there are suddenly huge numbers available. There are speciality websites and stores and new sections appearing on wine lists. So what are they – what makes natural wines so damn...
November 2026 Tickets
Don’t miss out on an incredible event of learning, networking, and inspiration. This festival is designed to elevate your taste buds – and understanding – of fine wine, spirits & cocktails, and flavourful cheese.