Welcome to our next ‘Cellar’, a series that will immerse you in the world of New Zealand's finest, most exceptional, unique and boutique winemakers.
This event is by far a very special one as we are honoured to welcome two of New Zealand’s (and arguably two of the world’s) greatest winemaking legends, Jenny Dobson and Jen Parr.
Prepare for an intimate evening as you come face to face with two remarkable winemakers who will be with us here exclusively in the Bay to share their winemaking journeys, and 8 tastings of their bottled creations, paired with carefully curated small plates by the head chef of Mount Maunganui staple venue, Central Deli.
That's not all, we are heating things up with modern live jazz by the epic Matt Bizzle, as he combines saxophone and decks. Plus, we break up the evening with a spoken word performance.
Jenny Dobson - Wines by Jenny Dobson
Introducing Jenny Dobson, often referred to as 'The Red Queen' of winemaking. Not only does she hold a revered position among New Zealand's top winemakers, but she also stands as the very first female winemaker in the historical wine region of Bordeaux, France.
Throughout her remarkable career, Jenny has not only crafted exceptional wines but has also paved the way for women in the global winemaking industry, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy.
On her website, Jenny attributes her family as the driving force behind her wines, stating, "As it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a family to nurture a wine." Her wines bear the names of family members with roots in Tauranga Moana, making her visit to our city a heartwarming homecoming from where she resides in Hawkes Bay. . Join us for a special Cellar evening where we'll celebrate Jenny Dobson, her incredible wines, and hear her inspiring story up close and personal. It's an absolute honor to host this Kiwi legend.
Jen Parr - Valli Wines
Jen Parr is an absolute sensation amidst the vineyards, and we couldn't be more thrilled to announce her participation in our upcoming Cellar Event! Her journey is nothing short of remarkable, transitioning from a career in financial software sales to finding her true calling in Wanaka’s world of wine – a decision for which we are profoundly grateful.
Fast forward to the present, and Jen is the brilliant winemaker behind Valli Wines, as well as a sought-after consultant for several other esteemed wineries. Her exceptional talents have earned her the rare honor of being a two-time finalist for Winemaker of the Year in New Zealand, taking home the title of Winemaker of the Year in 2020.
Jen's achievements have garnered international acclaim, with features in prestigious publications like Forbes Magazine and a cabinet full of gold medals and trophies from around the world. She's also an accomplished wine judge, bringing her expertise to various esteemed panels, including the recent New World Wine Awards.
Furthermore, Jen's commitment to empowering women in the wine industry shines through her role as a mentor for Women in Wine. Join us for a truly unique opportunity to hear from this trailblazing winemaker and industry icon as she shares her insights, expertise, and passion with us at this exclusive Cellar Event.