Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Dinner 2010
26th January 2010
Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Dinner 2010.
A fine feast for the senses.
The Royal Easter Show Wine Awards is New Zealand’s oldest, most respected wine competition. The first annual show of the Auckland Agricultural and Horticultural Society was held in Auckland on December 18, 1843. An annual show was held in the spring of each year until 1953, when a second autumn show was introduced called The Easter Show.
One of the events added in 1953 was a wine competition, which aimed to provide an opportunity for winegrowers to have their wines assessed, and as a consumer guide. Entry was open to all New Zealand wines and it was the country’s first national wine competition. The Easter Show was granted Royal Status in 1987.
The event culminates in The Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Dinner, held at the ASB Showgrounds Auckland, Saturday March 20th. This glittering black tie event is much anticipated by all areas of the wine industry, plus lovers of outstanding food and the wine. The Wine Awards Dinner is open to businesses and the public, and is strongly supported by companies who want a prestigious night out to thank clients, or reward staff. Tickets can also be purchased by individuals who appreciate this is the only culinary event that serves 14 Trophy, gold medal wines matched with a degustation menu created by a top chef.
The Royal Easter Show Wine Awards is an incorporated nonprofit association, and the proceeds from The Awards Dinner are to cover costs only and promote New Zealand’s best wines. Winning wines may display the Royal Easter Show Award sticker for easy consumer identification. The 2010 Awards dinner is best described as “A Fine Feast for the Senses” each guest will sample the 14 Trophy wines, matched to a memorable degustation menu created by Michelin Star, UK trained, chef Simon Sheehan (one of the faces of the first Master Chef New Zealand) scheduled to start on TV Two in February.
Simon says his goal for the 2010 dinner is “to push the boundaries with some fresh ideas. I’m also deconstructing some classic dishes, and presenting them in an exciting new form. These new dishes will contribute to a fun and enjoyable evening as always. This is my approach, to create my best for you, our guest”
Simon is available for media interviews and filming from January 27 through to mid March. This year’s degustation menu is a secret; however Simon can demonstrate or discuss his innovative degustation menus from the last two years in a fun and interactive format; plus share his distinctive approach on how to use the best New Zealand ingredients and match them with locally available, affordable wines.
The Royal Easter Show Wine Awards Dinner, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane Auckland, Saturday March 20th
$225 per person or $2,000 for a table of ten. Tickets are available from www.ticketek.co.nz or direct, email emma@asbshowgrounds.co.nz for more information phone (09) 623 7726 or visit www.royaleastershow.co.nz/wineawards
For interviews with event organizers, Master of wines and MC Vic Williams, Chef Simon Sheehan, or images please contact Christopher Price at Food Marketing Ltd, email chris@foodmarketing.co.nz phone (09) 520 2435.