Lots of Martinborough in Wellington on a Plate

Although by population Martinborough is arguably the region’s smallest player in Wellington on a Plate, the town is participating well above its size in this year’s festival. Celebrating the region’s food, beverage and hospitality for the sixth year, Wellington on a Plate dishes up an exciting and diverse range of events, competitions and menus between the 15th and 31st August.
Three major events are taking place in Martinborough, together with two entries in the Burger Wellington competition. Of the six DINE Wellington special menus on offer in the Wairarapa, three feature Martinborough eateries.

In addition to these local offerings, Wines of Martinborough are holding three events in conjunction with Le Cordon Bleu in Wellington, and both Olivo and Lot 8 olive oils appear in and on a number of menus throughout the region.

Demonstrating Martinborough’s extraordinary versatility in food and wine, the three major events taking place here are varied indeed. Ladies who like to lunch will be gathering for a Fabulous Frocks event, hosted by Poppies Martinborough, Lavender’s Green and Olivo.

The Pirinoa Station Woolshed Lunch is a three-course meal amongst the day-to-day working environment on the station, presented by former ‘Chef of the Capital’ winner Marc Soper.

A Symphonic Feast combines the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Palliser Estate Wines for a spectacular evening of music and wine, perfectly matched with a four course menu especially designed by Nick Arnold of Cafe Medici.

For a wining and dining experience second to none but only minutes from home, DINE Wellington menus are available at Café Medici, Pinocchio, and The Pavilion Restaurant at Peppers Parehua.

In the burger stakes, Café Medici offers their Holy Cow creation, while Pinocchio tries to head them off with the Austin Texas. Both feature Wairarapa ingredients and we can all support our local fare by eating and voting.

Wines of Martinborough will be showcased in Wellington at three events with Le Cordon Bleu. The Pleasures of Pinot, The Wonders of White, and The Delights of Diversity are hosted by some of our most experienced winemakers, who will explore the variety and exceptional quality of Martinborough wines.
All in all, Martinborough can be justly proud of being such a ‘foodie’ village. Not only can we boast the highest calibre of food and wine, but we also have the people who can make it happen and who are willing to put a great deal of effort and skill into showcasing what Martinborough does so well.

Rachel McCahon