Party + Pair with Pinot

Overview

While sauvignon blanc put New Zealand wine on the map, pinot noir has been inching its way up the ladder to become one of the most popular varietals in the country — and for good reason. Cooler wine growing regions like Marlborough, Martinborough and Central Otago provide the perfect conditions to produce delicate pinot noir.

As the temperatures begin to drop, it's the perfect time to sit down and nuzzle up with a glass (or bottle) of the good stuff. To save time on menu scrolling and help you discover local drops, Party with Pinot and Pair with Pinot are giving diners the opportunity to taste a curated lineup of top-class pinot noirs from around New Zealand. Look out for first, second and third consumer choice winners — Madam Sass, Rockburn and Akarua — from dedicated wine tasting festival Pinot Palooza.

Running this May and June, the initiative will see bars and restaurants from Auckland to Queenstown pair mouthwatering menus and lively experiences with deliciously drinkable pinot noirs. Whether you pair a glass of Akarua's Rua Central Otago pinot noir with a full Sunday roast from 21 Days Bar & Brasserie, or party with a bottle of Zephyr Marlborough pinot noir and the resident DJ at Chapel Bar — there are plenty of options for all palates and wallet sizes.

Find the full list of participating Party + Pair with Pinot venues and dates below:

AUCKLAND

21 Days: May–June
Waitemata Golf Club: May–June
Long Bay Surf Club: May–June
Kimchi Project: May–June
Rydges: May–June
Chapel: June
Sweatshop: May–June
Pitt Street Pub: May–June
Birdies: June
Saint Alice: May–June
Tinted Rose: June

HAMILTON/TAURANGA

The Lookout: May–June
Rain Bar: May–June
Imbibe Bar: May–June
The Helm: May–June
Cornerstone: May–June

WELLINGTON

Vinyl: May
Travelodge: May
The Borough: May
Portofino: May
Rizzo: June
The Gasworks: June
James Cook: June
One Fat Bird: June
Brew'd on Boulcott: June
Gaucho: June

HAWKES BAY

Shed 2: May–June

CHRISTCHURCH

Flax: June
Morrell & Co, Addington: May–June
Aikmans, Merivale: May–June
Fisherman's Wharf: Lyttelton, June

QUEENSTOWN

The Hayes: May–June
Urban Grind: June

DUNEDIN

The Craic Irish Tavern: May–June