Hosted by Fine Wine Director, David Nash, The Hotel Britomart Winemaker in Residence is a bi-monthly wine event offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about New Zealand’s greatest winemakers. After the success of the last two wineries, The Landing and Man O’ War, the third winery to be presented within the series is Akitu.
Located by Lake Wanaka, 380 metres above sea level, the entire vineyard is dedicated to Pinot Noir. Akitu is also New Zealand’s pioneer of white Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir Blanc). Founder, Andrew Donaldson will share his 20 years of stories about his experience and love for Pinot Noir at the upcoming event. Donaldson will select some of the single vineyard’s greatest vintages from their cellar to savour during the evening.
Two events will make up the Hotel Britomart Winemaker in Residence: the winemaker’s taster hosted in Kingi Restaurant, and the winemaker’s dinner hosted in The Libraries.
The Libraries saw its grand opening in March 2021 – an early milestone for Hotel Britomart following one year of operating in Auckland’s CBD.
“There are very few event spaces like The Libraries in Aotearoa – beautifully refurbished heritage spaces that are a celebration of New Zealand art, craftsmanship, and design, where world-class food and wine can be enjoyed,” said General Manager, Clinton Farley.
Kingi, short for kingfish, welcomes Aucklanders to enjoy fresh and locally-sourced foods just a few steps away from the Hotel Britomart lobby. Awarded Best Hotel Restaurant of 2022, the restaurant is a testament to the sustainable hospitality Hotel Britomart works towards.
Akitu Winemakers Taster:
6 pm Wednesday 22 February
David Nash and Andrew Donaldson are to host the free-flowing tasting event. Wines from the best vintages of the Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc, Akitu A1 Pinot Noir, and Akitu A2 Pinot Noir will be complemented with selected canapes served by Kingi Chef, Uelese Mua.
Akitu Winemakers Dinner:
6 pm Thursday 23 February
Founder and Fine Wine Director, Andrew Donaldson, David Nash, and Head Chef Andrew Lautenbach, will host the five-course degustation. Attendees will enjoy rich vintages of the Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc, Akitu A1 Pinot Noir, and Akitu A2 Pinot Noir, perfectly paired with selected foods to bring out the fruitness and earthiness of the wines
In Maori, Akitu means the summit – the highest point,
