Almost 150 guests helped Montana celebrate its 30th vintage last night at an event that recognised all things New Zealand to coincide with Waitangi Day.
The eve of New Zealand’s national day brought together industry, media, celebrities and guests at Sydney’s Centennial Park, where a casual tasting and traditional Maori entertainment opened the evening.
Hosted by Kiwi ex-pat Richard Wilkins, the elaborate wine dinner was made up of three dishes, each designed by three of New Zealand’s highly-acclaimed Australian-based chefs to match to a selection of Montana wines.
Senior winemaker Patrick Materman was also on-hand to discuss the wines served throughout the night, including the 2008 Montana Reserve Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, 2007 Montana Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and 2007 Montana
Terraces T Marlborough Pinot Noir.
Celebrity chef Jason Roberts designed the first course of Hawke’s Bay snapper and scampi, matched with the two Sauvignon Blanc, while Assiette’s Warren Turnbull created the second course of cured breast of duck, paired with two Chardonnays, and Justin North from Becasse matched his roast saddle of lamb with Pinot Noir.
The evening provided the opportunity to celebrate and explore the brand, which was the first to plant commercial vines in New Zealand’s Marlborough region.