1670 days ago

New Zealand Sommelier of the year - 2021

New Zealand School of Food & Wine

Congratulations to Andrea Martinisi as he is awarded New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2021.

Andrea Martinisi is presented with the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2021 trophy by Marek Przyborek (NZ Sommelier of the Year 2018) and chair of the Examination Committee with Celia Hay, chair of New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association. Andrea is General Manager and Head Sommelier of The Grove Restaurant, Auckland. Marek is head sommelier at Amisfield, Central Otago.

The day started with the Theory Assessment (60 minutest) and Blind Tasting of 2 wines. The white wine was Saint Clair Pioneer Block Gewurztraminer 2020 from Marlborough and from Spain, Muga Seleccion Especial Rioja 2016. The Practical included a restaurant scenario to decant a bottle of Te Mata Awatea 2018 and provide a food pairing. This was made a little tricky as we also had a bottle Te Mata Awatea 2019 on the sideboard... to check if the candidates were reading the label!

The Practical also featured a spirit tasting where candidates were asked to identify 4 spirits. This year the spirits were Bacardi, Tequila Blanco, Jack Daniels, Calvados.

More messages from your neighbours
8 hours ago

Notice of intention to control targeted weeds

.

Weather permitting spot spraying will be carried out in the following areas during March 2026.

Albert-Eden,
Puketapapa & Whau
Local Boards,
Auckland Domain,
Manukau Memorial Gardens,
North Shore
Memorial Park,
Waikumete Cemetery.

Herbicide applications will be carried out in reserves, cycleways, street gardens, street kerb and channels and berms/boundary edges. No spraying will be undertaken in agreed no-spray zones, during this period.

Auckland Council operates from a Code of Practice that governs all spray operations. Spraying will be undertaken by Programmed Facility Management.
For more information please phone Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
Find out more

Image
8 hours ago

Offers, Events & Inspiration

Wendy Wu Tours

Ready to explore the world with ease?
Wendy Wu Tours specialises in fully guided holidays across Asia and beyond, taking care of flights, accommodation, touring and expert local guides so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey. From Japan’s cherry blossoms and China’s Great Wall to the vibrant cultures of Vietnam and India, every itinerary is designed to immerse you in authentic experiences.

Departing from New Zealand, you’ll travel with like-minded adventurers and enjoy seamless, stress-free travel. If you’ve been dreaming about your next big trip, now’s the perfect time to make it happen.
Find out more

Image