Upstairs at Regional Wines

John Forrest returns to the Regional Wines tasting room, armed with a diverse array of spring sippers, spanning no less than seven varieties.

One of the true pioneers of the New Zealand wine industry, John Forrest has been making wine for over 30 years. He and his wife Brigid threw in successful careers in the late 80s to try their hand at wine growing in Marlborough and their first vintage was in 1990, hitting success straight off the bat with a trophy-winning Merlot Rosé. John has gone on to become one of New Zealand's most respected winemakers, known for pioneering lower alcohol wines and screwcaps, whilst making magic with almost any variety he turns his hand to.

Here’s the lineup…

Forrest Albarino 2025
Forrest Chenin Blanc 2025
Forrest Riesling 2023
Forrest Arneis 2024
Forrest Winemakers Selection Gewurztraminer 2024
Forrest Reserve The White 2023 (with back-vintage comparison) 
Forrest Petit Manseng 2024

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At Regional Wines, Beers and Spirits - 15 Ellice Street, Wellington 6011.

Cancellations must be made no later than 48hrs in advance.

If sold out - please email John at online@regionalwines.co.nz to be placed on the waitlist.

Join Daniel as he lines up pairs of whiskies from Benrinnes, Caol Ila & Highland Park served at cut-strength (46% and 48%) and cask-strength (50% and above in this case).

How will the distilleries fare at different ABVs, and will distillery style shine through? How will the subtle heathery peat of the Orkneys compare with the big peat of Islay, and will we get any sulphur from the worm tubs of Benrinnes? There's only one way to find out!

Here's the lineup…

• Caol Ila 2010/10yo Artist Collective LMDW 5.3 48% (WB 86.82)
• Benrinnes 2010/11yo Artist Collective LMDW 5.4 48% (WB 87.03)
• Highland Park Viking Pride 18YO 46% (WB 87.12)
• Elements of Islay 'Beach Bonfire' Feis Isle 2023 54.5% (WB 86.71)
• Benrinnes 1997/23yo Hidden Spirits 52.8 %. (WB 88.62)
• Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.4 64.3% (WB 85.75)
• Mystery whisky (WB 87.33)

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Cancellations must be made no later than 48hrs in advance.

This tasting will be a seated tasting in the Regional Wines tasting room.

If sold out - please email John at online@regionalwines.co.nz to be placed on the waitlist.

Join Daniel as he lines up pairs of whiskies from Benrinnes, Caol Ila & Highland Park served at cut-strength (46% and 48%) and cask-strength (50% and above in this case).

How will the distilleries fare at different ABVs, and will distillery style shine through? How will the subtle heathery peat of the Orkneys compare with the big peat of Islay, and will we get any sulphur from the worm tubs of Benrinnes? There's only one way to find out!

Here's the lineup…

• Caol Ila 2010/10yo Artist Collective LMDW 5.3 48% (WB 86.82)
• Benrinnes 2010/11yo Artist Collective LMDW 5.4 48% (WB 87.03)
• Highland Park Viking Pride 18YO 46% (WB 87.12)
• Elements of Islay 'Beach Bonfire' Feis Isle 2023 54.5% (WB 86.71)
• Benrinnes 1997/23yo Hidden Spirits 52.8 %. (WB 88.62)
• Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.4 64.3% (WB 85.75)
• Mystery whisky (WB 87.33)

.....................................

Cancellations must be made no later than 48hrs in advance.

This tasting will be a seated tasting in the Regional Wines tasting room.

If sold out - please email John at online@regionalwines.co.nz to be placed on the waitlist.

Join Scott Hurrell from Maison Vauron for a vinous cruise through the idyllic Loire Valley, encompassing the famous appellations of Vouvray, Muscadet, Anjou, Sancerre and more. 

Discover exciting wine styles with racy acidity, crafted from superstar grapes such as Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and learn about what makes this underrated region so spectacular.

Here’s the lineup served with cheese and charcuterie...

• Monmousseau Cremant de Loire Blanc Ciselee
• Chateau de Fesles Rose Anjou 2023
• Sauvion Vouvray Bosquets 2024
• Domaine de la Ragotiere Muscadet Vieilles Vignes 2023
• Gerard Fiou Sancerre 2023
• Domaine Amirault Bourgueil Cote 50 2023
• Famille Bourgeois Sancerre Baronnes Rouge 2022
• Domaine des Baumard Coteaux Layon Carte d'Or 2022 
  

At Regional Wines, Beers and Spirits - 15 Ellice Street, Wellington 6011.

Cancellations must be made no later than 48hrs in advance.

If sold out - please email John at online@regionalwines.co.nz to be placed on the waitlist.