Tag: Le Cloche

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Looking Back – Christmas Dinner at La Cloche, Dec ’25

What a lovely evening, the weather gods played ball, and the people, location and food were all wonderful!

We had people spread over three larger tables and the whole evening worked well.

As a reminder of the menu:

We were met with the usual glass of bubbles, thanks Wayne

First course – amuse bouche – was a small mushroom voul au vent and a small smoke chicken gougere

Second course – entrée – Salmon terrine

Third course – main – we had the choice of either fish or duck, both were delicious 

Dessert – Le Chocolat et les fruits rouges

A festive evening that everyone enjoyed. A comment from one of the Club members:

Had a great time last night. The food was amazing, couldn’t fault it. (especially the dessert) The staff were so friendly and efficient.

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Newsletter – Jan ’26

Key takeaways from the January 2026 Cellar Club newsletter.

February Tasting: Askerne (Hawke’s Bay)

  • 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.

December Christmas Dinner Recap

  • 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.

Wine News Highlights

  • 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.
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Committee Musings Nov’25

Continued thanks

It continues to be helpful to have everyone help with the tables and chairs at meetings and taking the same down at the end, thanks. Also, taking your table’s spittoons/water jugs/cracker plates back to the kitchen.

Wines secured

We have secured 5 trophy wines and 2 double gold wines for our NZIWS Awards presentation timetabled for April next year.

Survey results to come

Thanks everyone for going online to respond to our survey. Unfortunately, you busted it, but not before we had gathered some great intel. We will try and report back on the survey in a future newsletter.

Looking ahead

  • December – Christmas Dinner, Le Cloche –there will be the normal welcoming glass of bubbly on arrival to start off the festivities. An order form for the meal, plus payment will be sent out separately.
  • January 2026 – Reminder: Currently there is no function planned for this January, but your committee is currently considering a specific idea for 2027. That said, if you have an idea that we also might consider, please talk to a committee member.
  • February 2026 – Askerne Wines

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