Newsletter – Jan ’26

Key takeaways from the January 2026 Cellar Club newsletter.

Event: Askerne tasting with Co‑Founder John Loughlin.
Date: Wednesday 11 February, 8pm.
Venue: Clubrooms.
Background: Askerne has grown from an 11.6ha family venture (est. 1993) into a diverse producer with a long history of award‑winning wines and evolving styles.
Notable history:
- Early plantings from 1993–1996.
- First cellar door opened in 1997.
- Multiple gold medals and trophies through the 2000s.
- New Icon series launched in 2018–2019.
- Continued innovation through 2020–2021.

Venue: Le Cloche.
Experience: Excellent food, friendly staff, and a relaxed evening across three large tables.
Menu highlights: Bubbles on arrival, amuse‑bouche, salmon terrine, choice of fish or duck, and a standout chocolate‑and‑red‑fruit dessert.
Member feedback: Very positive, especially about the dessert.

Swift Wines (Hawke’s Bay):
- New colourful cellar door on Mere Rd.
- Build‑your‑own platter system and six‑wine tasting.
- Limited sparkling Albariño (Pipi) available.
Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival:
- Saturday 21 February, Masterton.
- Tickets available online.