Throwing a Garden Party for New Zealand's Best Winery

New Zealand's picturesque terrain isn't only good for providing Lord of the Rings with a breathtaking backdrop. Its the home of one of the most awarded wineries of the region - Villa Maria Estate. This internationally acclaimed winery stretches lazily over 1600km from Auckland to Marlborough through such a diverse collection of vineyards.

The more temperate clay soils in the north to the snow-capped mountains in the South Island imparts distinct and individual characteristics to its harvested grapes.


Last Friday, we celebrated its 11th win in 12 years as the Number 1 Winery of the Year in the 2009 Annual Wine Awards of Winestate Magazine.

This NZ Winery beat 10,000 others for the title. No small feat for a family owned company.

We sampled Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot Cabernet, as well as the Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot Cabernet.

Purple Feet's backyard is a fitting setting for the party.

The five course menu is appetizingly delicious for P950

A yin and yang of Cream of Carrot Rose Water Lime and Shrimp Soup

This was served with the 2008 Riesling.

Carpaccio of Atlantic Salmon served with candied lime zest and fried capers topped with shaved Manchego cheese. The 09 Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc was a classic pairing with its fresh citrusy lime and herb aromas that provide the right balance to a tasty fish like salmon.

One of two main events: A tower of barramundi, melon, passion fruit, cilantro and tomato, livened up by a lemon grape fruit sauce. The Cellar Selection Sauvignion Blanc's aromas of passionfruit and sweet melon sets off this dish nicely.

A thick and juicy Wagyu Medallion smoked in tobacco leaves drizzled with cherry grape berry chutney. The hints of cherry and tobacco in the Private Bin Merlot Cabernet 2008 don't shy away from the very powerful flavors here.

Plum and raisin stuffed brue served with grape panna cotta. Any version of the chef's panna cotta is definitely a must try at Purple Feet.

Some snapshots of the night:

Happy couple Peter and Anne Bichelmer is greeted by Hazel Tolhurst at the garden.

Mr. Jacob Grannell and friends were fans of the carrot and shrimp soup. 

Cristina Ferreros and Eloisa San Juan preferred the indoor setting.

Brian and Rebecca Forrester sits al fresco with Brett and Hazel Tolhurst.

A view from the outside: We also caught Mr. and Mrs. Don Kelly enjoying the Villa Maria wines with their friend Tracey Barnes from Australia. 

Another party for Villa Maria is surely underway for next year. I'm crossing my fingers for this winery to win lucky number 12.