For the love of great wine: Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines

New Zealand’s largest wine-tasting event, Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines, returns with an action packed timetable.

Where else can you journey through New Zealand’s stunning wine regions, from Northland to Central Otago, sampling all of the Hawkes Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough and in-between?

Wine-lovers, enthusiasts and connoisseurs, brace yourselves for a spectacular weekend sampling hundreds of lovingly crafted wines from more than 60 different wineries. Come Friday June 22, Auckland's Shed 10 will be transformed into a verified wine hub, with Wellington's TSB Arena following suit, on Friday, June 29.

Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines is your unique opportunity to get under the skin of the New Zealand grape scene and discover the colourful personalities that have made wine their life’s work.

Top wine personalities and sommeliers from some of the country's leading restaurants will be on hand to lead you beyond the glass, with free talks and special tastings, to share their love of the New Zealand's finest drops.

Notable Kiwi food personalities will be joined in Auckland by New Zealand's Master of Wine Bob Campbell, alongside renowned Australian wine expert Mike Bennie, with Stephen Wong and internationally claimed wine guru Nick Stock joining the celebration in Wellington.

These legends of the wine world will enlighten, entertain and enhance your love (and knowledge) of great wine with dedicated masterclasses. This year, guests will receive the opportunity to experience food and wine-matching masterclasses including 4 premium wines matched with a small tasting plate from some of New Zealand's favourite restaurants, including Apero, Clooney and Cazador in Auckland and Noble Rot in Wellington.

Renowned journalist and media commentator, Russell Brown will host this year's ‘Share a Glass’ open forum, with some of your favourite wine-loving personalities unearthing their favourite drop. Auckland will see Russell sharing some laughs with Kiwi actress Robyn Malcolm, local music legend Frankie Stevens and foodie Ray McVinnie, to name but a few; while in Wellington, crowds will be treated to insights from former All Black-turned-foodie, Piri Weepu, Barnaby Weir, Lucy Revill, Jaye Glam Morgan and Joe Lindsay.       

Coming together for a Winetopia exclusive, The Ol’ Dirty Brass Band will take to the stage for a one-of-a-kind performance, upping the event's entertainment offerings that much further. Fat Freddy’s Drop trombonist Joe Lindsay, singer Lisa Tomlins, and saxophonist Lucien Johnson will perform as a special collective, just for the event. Trinity Roots' original drummer Riki Gooch will join the trio during Winetopia Wellington and the irrepressible Julian Dyne in Auckland.

Be sure to secure your tickets early, to avoid missing out. Online tickets are only $39, and include entry to one Winetopia session, a Spiegelau wine glass, 5 wine tasting tokens, free talks and live music. For those looking to up the ante, Premium Tickets are available for $79 and include all the above, Nautilus Cuvee Marlborough Brut NV on arrival, Spiegelau Vino Vino Burgundy wine glass, goody bag and a Singapore Airlines Delight.

To make this year's event twice as nice, everyone who purchases a ticket to Winetopia will go in the draw to win return Economy class flights for two to Europe, courtesy of Singapore Airlines.

Winetopia – Auckland
Friday, June 22 – Saturday, June 23,
Shed 10,
89 Quay Street,
Queens Wharf,
Auckland CBD.

Winetopia – Wellington
Friday, June 29 – Saturday, June 30,
TSB Bank Arena,
4 Queens Wharf,
Wellington.

Winetopia is country's largest public wine-tasting event and an unmissable day out for any foodie. Explore the action-packed timetable and book your tickets right here.