5-Course French Degustation Dinner at Tartines Café, Eastbourne, May ’25

The French dinner, advertised to the Club by Murray, who couldn’t attend, was hosted by Mission wines. As a follow up the Mission evening in March, a few of us went along to enjoy Mission’s Jewelstone brand of premier wines, matched with each of the five courses.

We opened with a tasting of Blue Cheese Mousse, Caramelised Pear on Toasted Brioche, which was delightfully smooth in the mouth. This was paired with Mission’s Fete Brut Cuvee NV. We were looking forward to the next course!

The next course was Salmon, Sashimi, Soya Jelly, Ginger Syrup, Wakame Salad, Washabi Mayo & Sesame Seeds – a tribute to the chef’s days at the original Hummingbird restaurant in Courtenay Place, when this was a stable on the menu. This was paired with Mission’s Jewelstone Rosé 2023. The Rose was pinky gold in colour and was amazing with the dish.

Our third dish was Goat Cheese Cannelloni, Cramed Leek, Walnut Cream and Caramelised Walnut. Paired with Jewelstone Chardonnay 2022.

The mix in this course went down very well, with the caramelised walnuts a
really lovely addition to the smoothness of the rest of the meal.

It was a beautiful evening, with a starlit sky outside and as the air began to cool the braziers were lit. It all added such an atmosphere to the evening.

Next, we moved to the red of the evening, Jewstone Antione, Cabernet Sauvignon 2020. This wine is from their Gilmett Gravels vineyards, and is small-batch, barrel
fermented. It paired excellently with the Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks Bourguignon, Parsnip Puree, Roasted Baby Carrots. Rich, creamy and so tasty.

To round the evening off we were served Lemon Curd, Pannacotta, Braised Pineapple & Passion Fruit Coulis, paired with Mission Estate Late Harvest 2024.

Tammy from Mission came around during the meal to check how things were going at tables, as well as giving us commentary on the different wines were  sampling and titillating us with the story behind the wines, such as the  Jewelstone Antoine.

A plus, we were able to order Mission wines if we wished to, after the meal. It’s great Tammy is in Johnsonville, as she is delivering any orders received on the night.

Tasting – Mission Wines, Hawkes Bay w/Tammy Edwards

A heritage like no other – Mission Estate Winery
Wednesday 12th March, 8pm
Door Price: Members $6 / Guests $10

Reaching NZ shores in 1838, pioneering French missionaries founded a legacy. From their many accomplishments now interwoven throughout history came New Zealand’s first winery, Mission , in 1851. Their inspiration, a legacy, continues.

Today their vineyards span two of NZ’s best winegrowing regions; Hawkes Bay and Marlborough. Hawkes Bay vineyards in the Gimblett Gravels and Taradale focus on Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah; but also include small clocks of other varietals such as Semillon and Cabernet Franc.

Whereas, their Marlborough properties, perfect for producing cool climate wine styles, grow Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

Mission Estate Winery established in 1851 by pioneering French Missionaries is New Zealand’s oldest winery and the birthplace of New Zealand wine.
Mission Estate Winery established in 1851 by pioneering French Missionaries is New Zealand’s oldest winery and the birthplace of New Zealand wine.

Paul Mooney, our passionate winemaker since 1979, was trained by the Marist Brothers themselves, Paul imparts the very essence of Mission’s French heritage winemaking philosophy into both our Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough wines.

We consider ourselves guardians of our heritage and our land, and for more than 20 years we have been proud to be a founding member of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. In 1998, we were also one of the first wineries in New Zealand to be certified with the internationally recognised environmental management system ISO 14001.

We start with 2024 Mission Estate Rosé as our conversation/entry tasting followed by:

  • 2023 The Gaia Project Pinot Gris
  • 2024 Mission Estate
  • 2023 Reserve Chardonnay
  • 2019 Mission Reserve Cabernet Franc
  • 2020 Mission Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2023 Reserve Syrah

SPECIAL NOTE: The door prize on tasting night is going to be something a little special, namely a bottle of Lanvin Brut Champagne NV. Ticket prices for this will be $2 each.

Christmas Dinner ’24 & Looking Ahead Further

Looking Back – December Christmas Dinner

Le Marche Francais from Thorndon Quay, Wellington
Le Marche Francais from Thorndon Quay, Wellington

This year’s Christmas Dinner was held at Le Marche Francais, as always
a welcoming establishment for our Christmas dinner.

The food was as excellent as it is every time we visit. The staff were on
the ball and welcoming towards us, too. The socialising and mingling at the beginning of the evening with our glasses of bubbly was most festive.

Dinner @ Le Marche Francais
Dinner @ Le Marche Francais

With thanks to the staff in French from John Dawson and a welcome to Club members from Murray, our evening was set for a great Christmas treat.

Looking Ahead Further

  • March – Mission Vineyard
  • April – New Zealand International Wine Show 2024 Trophy Wines
  • May – AGM