Here’s a summary of the May 2026 newsletter for The Cellar Club Inc.
Key Highlights
- Annual General Meeting (AGM):
- Scheduled for Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at the Johnsonville Community Centre.
- Agenda includes confirmation of previous minutes, financial and president’s reports, election of officers, a notice of motion for life membership, subscriptions, and general business.
- A special motion proposes granting Wayne Kennedy life membership in recognition of 41 years of service as Auditor, Treasurer, President, and committee member.
Wine Tasting Recap
The club hosted a tasting event featuring Gold Medal winners from the NZ International Wine Show (October 2025).
Wines tasted included:
- 2025 Rapaura Springs Reserve Pinot Rose (Double Gold, Champion Rose)
- 2025 Te Kairanga Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Double Gold, Champion Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2025 Sileni Advocate Grand Reserve Albarino (Double Gold)
- 2025 Sugar Loaf Riesling (Double Gold, Champion Riesling)
- 2024 Craggy Range Martinborough Pinot Noir (Double Gold, Champion Pinot Noir)
- 2023 Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz (Double Gold, Champion Commercial Red)
- 2024 Beach House Cabernet Malbec (Double Gold)
Committee Updates
- The committee supports Wayne Kennedy’s life membership nomination.
- The club currently has 55 members, including five life members.
- Life membership criteria and rights are detailed, emphasizing exceptional, sustained service and positive impact.
Volunteer Opportunities:
- Members are encouraged to help with pouring at tastings and with setup/cleanup.
- The club seeks a new volunteer to manage its website, as Steve is stepping down after 13 years.
Upcoming Events
- June: Margrain, Wairarapa tasting.
- July: Mid-Winter/Mid-Year Club Dinner (TBC).
- August: Event TBC.
Wine News
- New Zealand was named Wine Region Winner in the 2026 Azure Road Impact Awards Drinks Category.
- Loveblock Winery received the Best Wine Brand award.
- NZ wine industry’s sustainability efforts highlighted, with 98% of vineyard area certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand
Special Event
Long lunch with Chef Laurent Loudeac at Kanteen Cafe, Wellington, on Sunday 24th May. Five courses with wine matches for $150.
Other Notices
- The club will stop collecting screwcaps after the AGM; remaining collections will be donated to Kidney Kids NZ.
- Contact details for club officers and committee are provided.
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