An evening to remember

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Palliser Wines of Martinborough and Café Medici are joining forces to create a unique event to indulge all your senses. The Symphonic Feast, part of this year’s Visa Wellington On A Plate festival, will be held at Palliser Estate in Martinborough on Sunday 31 August 2014, the last day of the festival programme.

The evening will begin at 6pm with a glass of the Palliser Estate Methode Traditionnelle and canapés in the winery. The NZSO will then perform a brass fanfare to herald the guests through to the barrel hall to take their seats in this atmospheric and dramatic setting. … Continue Reading

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. … Continue Reading

Friends of Wharekaka: A New Initiative

On a recent sunny winter’s morning, the new Wharekaka dining room was used to great advantage in hosting a morning tea to a large group of invited guests. The increased space enabled everyone to mix and mingle easily and the new French doors were opened onto the generous deck that now extends out into the garden. Sunlight flooded into the room, which now accommodates welcoming armchairs and sofas as well as dining tables and chairs.

Helen Meehan, Chair of the Wharekaka Auxiliary, explained that the occasion was to enjoy the new dining room and show how it can be used beyond providing a very attractive and roomy space for residents’ meals. She also thanked all the volunteers who do so much for Wharekaka, especially those on the afternoon tea roster. … Continue Reading

South Wairarapa Rotary

The 2nd of July, 2014 saw members of South Wairarapa Rotary gathered at the Royal Hotel in Featherston for the annual changing of the guard, or the handing over of the chains of office to the new President. John Bushell, having served 12 months as President of the club, handed over the responsibility to Griff Page who will be President for the next 12 months. … Continue Reading