2018
- Sun28Jan2018
Summer BBQ 2018
4:00 - close
Date: Sunday, 28 January 2018Time: From 4pm wet, windy, snowing, or fine, cover is provided
Venue: Derek’s place. Check your email from Robin in January for the address.
Entry fee: This is a no fee event, but it is BYO wine. We ask members and guests to contribute by providing a salad (even number houses) or dessert (odd number houses) sufficient for about 10 people.
- Wed14Feb2018
Tasting - Summer Romance - a love affair with wine
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: Members $10, Guests $14
Presenter: Your CommitteeOur summer has been truly magnificent this year and as our February tasting coincidently falls on Valentine’s Day we have decided on a format that encompasses all these elements, i.e. Summer, Wine, and Romance. In short, “a love affair with wine”.
Wine and romance: They often go hand in hand. From fancy Valentine’s Day dinner reservations to something a little simpler like wine and roses, or pairing a round of chocolate with a classy glass of vino, Cupid claims some serious turf when it comes to wine for your Valentine. Maybe it’s the anticipation of soon exchanging summer weather for the cooler days of autumn, the easy-going food pairing versatility, or even simply the colour, but rosé wines (with and without bubbles) often top the list of best Valentine’s Day wine finds. Sweeter styles, from red-themed sparkling Italian dessert wines to Portugal’s best-fortified wines, also tend to make their mark on Valentine’s Day wine
selections. Make sure you find the perfect bottle to toast your love.Our selection is likely to feature something along the lines as set out below. There may be minor changes. It includes bubbles, rosés, and aromatic whites.
- Quaffer – Pol Remy – Wayne
- Aotea Sparkling Wine – Wayne
- Landsdowne Pinot Gris – Robin
- Spy Valley Gewürztraminer – Anne
- Fickle Mistress Pinot Rose – Murray
- Clearview Blush – Jenny
- Dorrien Estate Lockwood Smith Sparkling Shiraz – Steve
As with lots of things in life, there are back stories to most of the wines to be tasted. I know your presenters will enjoy telling you about them as you rekindle your love affair with the wine in your tasting glass. And fear not, this is not the “Last of the Summer Wine”
- Wed14Mar2018
Tasting - Haythornthwaite Wines
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: TBC
Presenter: Mark HawthornewaiteHaythornthwaite Wines is a boutique family owned vineyard located on the ancient alluvial river terraces of Martinborough. This region has become known for producing world-class Pinot Noir and is gaining a reputation for producing award-winning Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
Established in 1992, Haythornthwaite Wines produces Pinot Noir, Pinot Rosé, Pinot Gris and is one of two vineyards in Martinborough growing Gewürztraminer. The vineyard was planted on two sheep paddocks of a sub-divided farm. Planting commenced in 1992 and was completed in 2006.
Wines for tasting
- 2017 Haythornthwaite Pinot Rose – Jennifer
- 2012 Haythornthwaite Pinot Gris – Ursula
- 2012 Haythornthwaite Dry Gewurztraminer – Emma
- 2012 Haythornthwaite Gewurztraminer – Susan
- 2012 Haythornthwaite Pinot Noir – Catherine
- 2013 Haythornthwaite Reserve Pinot Noir – Beverley
- 2013 Haythornthwaite Auslese Gewurztraminer – Pamela
- Wed11Apr2018
Tasting - A Tour of Europe through wine
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry: Members $14 Guests $18
Presenter: Simon Bell and Craig O’Connell – Macvine InternationalAs our season turns to Autumn so the northern part of the planet moves into spring and perhaps thoughts turn to touring and holidaying in Europe. We thought we would try the next best thing, a tour of Europe through wines. To assist us with this we have invited Simon Bell from Macvine International to be the tour leader. You may remember that in a previous life Simon presented for Ash Ridge a wee while back. Ash Ridge is part of the Macvine portfolio so he still represents them.
Simon began his journey in the industry as a 17-year-old in Central Otago at Black Ridge, it was there that I had an epiphany and decided that the wine industry could be the one for him. From there he worked his way over to Bannockburn, then to Blenheim to study Winemaking/Viticulture. It was in Blenheim that he found his passion lay more with the wine side of the industry rather than Viticulture. A trip north took him to sunny Napier to study Winemaking at EIT. He still calls Napier home and over recent years has been drawn from the production side across to the Sales side. We will give a little detail about Craig when it is available.
Simon has been with Macvine for almost a year now and is relishing the opportunity to learn about and introduce more people to the international wines in the portfolio. As Kiwis, we often spend most of our efforts “supporting local” and miss out on some amazing wines. He now gets to represent 51 wine brands from NZ and around the world.
The tour will include the following wines:
- Andre Delorme Methode BDB (France)
- Pazo Cilleiro Albarino (Spain)
- Bernard Defaix 2015 Cote de Lechet Chablis (France)
- Cantina Terlan Lagrein (Italy)
- Dourthe No 1 Rouge (France)
- Alpha Zeta “V” Valpolicella Ripaso Superiore (Italy)
- 1994 Burgermeister Lauer Drohner Hofberger Riesling (Germany)
What a selection, don’t miss this one.
- Wed09May2018
AGM
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: None
Presenter: The PresidentNOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE JOHNSONVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 3 FRANKMOORE AVENUE, JOHNSONVILLE WEDNESDAY, 9 MAY 2018, COMMENCING AT 8 pm
AGENDA
- Apologies
- Confirmation of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting for the year 2016/17 held on Wednesday, 10th May 2017
- Matters Arising
- Financial Report for the Year 2017/18
- President’s Report for the Year 2017/18
- Notices of Motion
Election of Life Member
In recognition of her leadership of the Cellar Club as President, her services on the committee for 21 years and her ongoing support and involvement in the club since 1991, I move that Cecilia Parker be granted life membership of the Cellar Club.Moved Anne Megget, Seconded Murray Jaspers
Background
Cecilia has been associated with the Cellar club for more than 25 years joining in 1991. She became a committee member the following year, becoming the secretary in 1995, President from 2007 to 2011 and Vice President from 2011 to 2013. Cecilia has made delectable fruitcakes for many of our important occasions. She continues to attend our monthly meetings and takes part in our activities. - Election of Officers and Committee for the year 2018/19
- President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Committee
- Subscriptions
- General Business
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At the conclusion of the AGM, supper will be served,
accompanied by wines from the Club’s cellar
*************************************** - Wed13Jun2018
Tasting - Unison
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: TBC
Presenter: TBC
Unison Vineyard is in the Gimblett Gravels and is operated by Philip and Terry Horn. Hawke’s Bay, and especially the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District, is not a so-called “cool climate” winegrowing region and it is also not a “hot climate” region. Hawke’s Bay has a temperate climate.
The temperatures in the ripening period of around 24-28 degrees Celsius are absolutely ideal for slow but consistent ripening where the aroma development reaches its greatest range. At higher temperatures a vine stops “working” and the development of aromas and tannins can be retarded and potential aroma and flavour components metabolized.
Wines produced in moderate climates have, in general, the widest aroma and flavour spectrum, are concentrated but not overpowering, is sophisticated and elegant.
Due to the consistency over the years in high-quality fine wines, Unison Vineyard has been rated by Jancis Robinson (Concise Wine Companion) as one of 28 up-and-coming producers worldwide “… whose success seems most obvious to me at the beginning of the 21st century …” – the only winery in NZ which has received this accolade.
On the night we will be tasting:
- 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
- 2016 Reserve Chardonnay
- 2017 Rose
- 2015 Rocky Red
- 2012 Reserve Merlot
- 2013 Classic Red
- 2013 Syrah
So let’s go for sophistication and elegance, from a top region, ie the Gimblett Gravels, and with owners who are dedicated to producing the highest quality in their wines. Why wouldn’t you be there?
- Wed11Jul2018
Mid-year dinner - Saigon Van Grill Bar
7:00 pm - late
Venue: Saigon Van Grill Bar, 201 Cuba street
Wellington - Directions
Entry fee: $50 ppIt’s off to Vietnam for our July dinner this year. This is a restaurant with a good reputation and will offer those attending a meal with a difference.
Just to clarify, this will be a banquet type menu ie there is no choice and you will get all the courses. However we are being served our own individual portions – there will be no sharing involved.
The menu list is included below and sounds very enjoyable. (Should anyone not like prawns just bring them to me)
The tables will be arranged to suit groups of eight and Wayne will sort out the table seating. If you want to make up a table of 8 then please let Wayne know.
7:00 start for a 7:30 sit down. A special “bubbles” will be served from 7 pm (but not earlier).
Could it be Cecilia from Allan Scott; that might seem appropriate.
- Crispy spring rolls
- Summer rolls
- Sugar cane prawns
- Marinated pork belly skewers
- Beef skewers
- Snapper salad
Numbers are looking excellent, we are expecting 48. We will see you there on the night for a cracking and sociable evening.
- Wed08Aug2018
Tasting - Clearview
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: Members $10, Guests $14
Presenter: Lisa Clarke, Account Manager
Charles, Rob, Helma, Lisa, Matt, & Tim Established by Tim Turvey and Helma van den Berg over 25 years ago, Clearview Estate Winery, Vineyards & Red Shed Restaurant is situated on the coastline of Hawke’s Bay, in the Te Awanga sub-region. Against all the odds Tim and Helma have built up the Estate, planting vines and trees, establishing the restaurant and renovating the historic homestead.
Wines for the tasting
- 2017 Black Reef Blush
- 2017 Coastal Gewurztraminer
- 2017 Beachhead Chardonnay
- 2017 Reserve Chardonnay
- 2017 Cape Kidnappers Syrah
- 2016 Cape Kidnappers Merlot
- 2016 Enigma
- NV Sea Red
- Wed12Sep2018
Tasting - Introducing Rhone Valley South
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: Members $18, Guests $22
Presenter: Alexandre Patenotte – Wellington RepresentativeJust imagine, you are sitting on the deck of a rather nice river cruising boat in the Southern Rhone area. The day has a balmy warmth. Vineyards tumble down to the water’s edge. The aromas of good French wine, gorgeous cheeses and some French bread waft in the air. Peace, contentment and a sense of well being are evident. See photo page 4.
Well, forget the boat, and the balmy warmth, but maybe this tasting can capture some of the feeling that we all think of as France. Presenting will be Alexandre Patenotte, the Wellington representative for Maison Vauron. The regional accent will be on the southern Rhone Valley and naturally, we will be tasting good wines with some cheese matches. Maison Vauron has New Zealand’s largest selection of fine French cheeses and matching them to some fine French wines heralds a night to remember
Vin et Fromage
- 2017 Les Grandes Vignes Cotes du Rhône Blanc
- 2016 St Francois Xavier Cotes du Rhône – Fromage Brie de Meaux
- 2015 Lafond Lirac Rouge
- 2015 Beauvaquière Vacqueyras – Fromage Morbier Rivoire
- 2015 Clos des Cazaux Gigondas
- 2014 Pegau Châteauneuf du Pape – Fromage Comte 24m
- 2016 Beaumalric Muscat Beaumes de Venise – Fromage Bleu d’Auvergne
- Wed10Oct2018
Tasting - Negociants present Yalumba Wines
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: Members $14 Guests $18
Presenters: Cenna Lloyd – NegociantsEstablished in 1985 by Australia’s most historic family-owned winery, Yalumba, Negociants New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s leading fine wine merchants, distributing many of New Zealand’s most celebrated wines, as well as prestigious imported brands from Australia and the world to licenced trade. Their dedicated and knowledgeable team of wine professionals is committed to the highest levels of customer service and quality representation of their portfolio of world-leading wines. The association with Yalumba is obvious.
Yalumba is Australia’s oldest family-owned wine company and in many respects, the history of Yalumba is a reflection of the history of the Australian wine industry. Just like the old Shiraz vine, Yalumba in its early years was primarily a producer of fortified wines. Today, however, the company is a thoroughly modern wine business and one of Australia’s largest exporters. The focus is very much looking forward.Wines to be tasted are:
- 2017/2018 Sangiovese Rose
- 2017 Organic Chardonnay
- 2014 Eden Valley Roussanne
- 2017 Eden Valley Viognier
- 2017 Old Bush Vine Grenache
- 2015 Paradox Shiraz
- 2014 The Signature Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz
You have to admit it, don’t these tastings just keep on giving. See you next Wednesday.
- Wed14Nov2018
Tasting - Casa Santos Lima - Portugal - Summer Selection
7:45 - 9:45 pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre Hall, 30 Moorefield Rd, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037 - Directions
Entry fee: Members $17 Guests $20
Presenter: Victor Kattenbelt
A horse carriage ride to discover the vineyards of Quinta da Boavista, Confidant Wines specialise in Portuguese wines and for this tasting will be concentrating on Casa Santos Lima.
The food is organised and the wine arranged. All you need do is make sure you have contacted Richard Taylor to confirm your attendance if you haven’t already. Some of you may have had some trouble and not realised his email has an underscore in it.
You need to confirm attendance, as this tasting is limited to the first 40 people to confirm their attendance.See the payment slip for the November Tasting and December Christmas meal on Saturday 8th December at Juniper Restaurant and Bar. Download the menu for this occasion. Please return to Wayne even if you can’t make the Nov tasting.
So make sure that the dinner in your diary and get yourself along to the Community Centre this Wednesday. But let Richard know first, OK and don’t forget to bring the payment slip with your tasting glasses?
- Sat08Dec2018
December dinner - Juniper Gin Bar & Restaurant
7:00 pm - late
Venue: Juniper Gin Bar & Restaurant - Directions
Entry fee: Member only event
The numbers are all settled, the menu is set out below so that you can further anticipate an enjoyable eating experience with which you can choose some good wine matches and enjoy at all in convivial company.Home-made bread for the table
Entrées
Pork & Chive Wonton – With curried pumpkin soup, cucumber & coriander salad, fried shallot
Pan-fried Scallops – Fennel, orange and watercress salad, mint & mandarin dressing, pistachio crusts
Tomato-Blue Cheese Tart (V) – Olive tapenade, caramelized onion, petit salad
Mains
Lamb Rump – Herbs & cornmeal crusts, minted pea puree, sauerkraut, crunchy deep fried gnocchi & jus
Fish of the Day – Wrapped in prosciutto, spinach, potato mash, almond brown butter and gremolata
Beef Tenderloin – Wrapped with streaky bacon, spinach, truffle potato mash, grilled baby carrots & blue cheese sauce
Mushroom Lasagne (V) – Layers of crepes, ricotta, spinach, grilled mushroom & mozzarella cheese, spiced red pepper sauce
Desserts
Juniper Tiramisu
Baked Citrus Cheesecake
Triple cream brie with quince paste and sesame wafers [still waiting for confirmation about this option]
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Some words of advice. Do not bring beer or lemonade, these can be purchased at the venue if required. A seating plan has been prepared and you will be advised on the night. Please note:
7:00 pm start for a 7:30 pm sit-down. A pre-dinner drink will be served from 7 pm (but not earlier).
See all past club events from February 1985.
Let’s Look Out for Each Other (still)
As always, please if you are feeling unwell, do not attend the evening’s presentation. Thanks, Your committee.
Member prize draw
Members’ prize draw is at each meeting, but you must be present to win. We also have a raffle draw to be won. Purchase your tickets at the door and be in to win.
Drinking and driving
Members will be aware of lowering drink/drive limits from December 2014. If unsure, read the Land Transport Amendment Act (no 2) 2014. We ask members to be conscious of these limits. For those driving, water and some food are provided or think about a designated driver, taxi, Uber, or dial-a-driver to get you home safely.
Wine bottle screw caps
Anne is collecting them to give to the Lions organised Kan Tabs for Kids. No food lids or beer tops, please. Save and bring them to the next monthly meeting.