Crushed Grapes Brings a Southern Attitude to Esther

Crushed Grapes is QT Auckland’s celebration of perfect food and wine pairings: a three-part love letter in the form of a trio of unique menus curated by Esther Restaurant’s Creative Culinary Director, Sean Connolly, and Executive Chef James Laird.

The first instalment, A Taste of Burgundy, drew rave reviews after taking guests on a mouthwatering journey through the rolling, vine-clad hills of France. Southern Soil and Cellar is sure to be a worthy successor, bringing together two of the South Island’s finest wineries to complement Chef Laird’s all-time favourite ingredient: earthy and aromatic black truffles from one of the South Island’s most celebrated truffières.

Once again, the event will begin with an intimate fireside chat, hosted by Dish editor Sarah Tuck, between the chefs and their culinary co-conspirators: Greg Hay (Captain and Owner/Vigneron of Central Otago’s Wet Jacket Vineyard), Matt Sutherland (Marlborough’s Dog Point Vineyard) and George Wilkinson (George’s Truffles in Riwaka). Together, they will provide the ultimate combination of coastal cool, alpine attitude and earthy indulgence, serving up tasty tales (and maybe a few secrets) to whet guests’ appetites ahead of their three-course dining experience.

Greg Hay from Wet Jacket Vineyard says, “we love to experience someone pairing our wines with a menu and seeing what the outcome is… but we also LOVE sharing our stories and wines. To us, surprise and balance are essential elements of a great food and wine match, and the diversity and flavours for which Esther team is renowned has us feeling very excited about what promises to be a very special evening.”

George’s Truffles have been a long-time parter of Esther, and its founder, George Wilkinson says, “I love the truffle flavour and aroma, and I am fortunate to be able to have truffle to eat every day during the season and never get bored with it. This is another wonderful opportunity to share my passion for these black nuggets amidst the enticing ambience of Esther.”

Dog Point Vineyard’s Matt Sutherland, believes his winery has much in common with Esther – in particular, a shared focus on family legacy: “Also like Esther, we always strive to do the little things well, and to love doing them.”

Southern Soil & Cellar
18 June (Truffle special), 6-9 pm
$179 pp
Book here