Sydney’s food and wine aficionados were graced once again to a soiree of world-class wine and food presented by Destination Queenstown – Urban Vineyard, held last week at the Cell Block Theatre, Darlinghurst.
Photography © by Ed Sullivan for Gourmantic – Copyright: All rights reserved.
Choices of red or white wine welcomed the guests through the garden entrance complete with tables, chairs and live entertainment for those who preferred to stay outdoors. Inside the theatre, the space was transformed by projection into a gently cascading imaginary of Queenstown, cast over long white drapes with a hint of bluish lighting, highlighting the six wineries.
Nibbles and cheeses by Gibbston Valley accompanied the wines, candles on the tables and the music was mixed and played by DJ Leah Simmons and New Zealand’s own Clarke Gayford, which added to the dramatic and stylish ambience, which was brought to great effect by the team at The Artistry.
Some of Queenstown’s best wineries with exceptional varietals from Central Otago have joined forces to supply Urban Vineyards. Winemakers and expert sommeliers from Amisfield, Mt Edward, Peregrine, Valli, Gibbston Valley and Two Paddocks were on hand with expert knowledge.
New Zealand Michelin star chef Josh Emett of Rata Restaurant in Queenstown crafted the food matched with the regions wine offering. Canapés of the night were: Goat cheese profiteroles with Rata blossom honey, Southern glory bluff oysters, Kingfish cudo, ponzu, watermelon, wasabi, Cloudy bay clams, spiced seaweed butter, sorrel, Ox tongue with burnt apple and Wakanui sirloin, pickled shiitake, ginger and soy dressing. Antipodes from New Zealand provided the water supply of the night.
Air New Zealand and Destination Queenstown also offered a return ticket to Queenstown for the winner of the most creative Instagram photo of the night, which was something everyone wanted to win!
The Urban Vineyard event was held on Wednesday 25th March 2015.
