Calling All Wine Connoisseurs And Those Who Hope To Be One – FISH Is The Place To Be

Hosted inside the beautiful Hilton Hotel on the Auckland Waterfront, you’ll be in a glamorous setting ready for an equally matched glitzy and indulgent evening presented by three of Aotearoa’s finest masters in all things wine.

Hosted by the wonderful Paul Tudor, who has worked in the wine retail and education industry for two decades and was initiated as a New Zealander in the Institute of Masters of Wine in 2006, the evening will be full of shared knowledge and in-depth conversations about your favourite wines.

Start your evening at Bellini Bar with sparkling cuvée, snacks, and live entertainment to get your warmed up, before heading through to FISH to start your four-course meal.

Headed by Chef Des Harris, Culinary Director of Hilton Auckland, you’ll be treated to an exquisite menu with wine matches from Blank Canvas and Kumeu River. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s most prominent and personable chefs (as well as earning of the title of ‘Chef of the Year’), such an intimate evening with Chef Harris will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for most.

Chef Harris has a keen focus on local, ethical, and sustainable sourcing of seasonal produce and kaimoana. His specialities include elevating the flavour, intensity, and texture of everyday ingredients, as well as incorporating traditional and modern cooking techniques to reach his desired result. Expect each course to be full of the highest quality ingredients, presented in the most unexpected ways.

Throughout the night, MC Paul Tudor will talk you through the pairings and blends set in front of you, as well as his extensive experience in wine judging for publications and wine shows, as well as his past-written works for numerous publications. He’ll also be introducing his fellow two Masters of Wine joining him, Sophie Parker-Thomson and Michael Brajkovich.

Sophie Parker-Thomson of Blank Canvas Wines of Marlborough achieved her MW in February 2021, making her New Zealand’s newest and third female Master of Wine in the country. Her work sees her following in her family’s footsteps to now being the General Manager and Co-owner of small-batch fine wine vineyard, Blank Canvas.

Michael Brajkovich of Kumeu River Wines, studied Oenology Roseworthy Agricultural College, SA. From there, he moved back to Auckland to help oversee key responsibilities at his family’s vineyard and winery in Kumeu. Brajkovich was the very first New Zealander to achieve a MW under the Institute of Masters of Wine in 1989, and has gone on to be a judge at numerous wine awards in New Zealand and Australia.

The night will be filled with wonderful food and wine, and swirling conversations with some of the most knowledgable experts in the industry. The evening will begin at 6pm on Friday 17th June, with four courses, eight wines, live opera and canapes on arrival. Tickets are $195pp. To be a part of the extravaganza, secure your ticket on FISH’s profile here. Simply select June 17th and 6pm to reserve your spot.