Join us, in collaboration with Highwater Eatery, for a chance to explore an emergent movement in Jerez that is pushing Palomino Fino into the future.

We are partering with Highwater Eatery to bring you the next instalment of Burgundy Passport. Join Stephen Wong MW on a journey through the rising stars of the Cote Chalonnaise

We are headed back to the Jura with an all Savagnin class! Hosted by perennial lover of the Jura, Caitlin Perlman, the class will include styles of Savagnin from sparkling all the way to vin jaune. (Plus, some Comté for good measure).

Join Stephen Wong MW as we explore the different facets of great Morgon from both vintage and site perspectives - showcasing Lapierre, Foillard, Thevenet and Desvignes going back to 2013.

We are proud to present a collaboration with German fine wine specialist Kierdorfwein showcasing some of the wines from their cellar for the first time in New Zealand. This class showcases their collection of Rhônes including sets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côte-Rôtie and Crozes-Hermitage

We are proud to present a collaboration with German fine wine specialist Kierdorfwein showcasing some of the wines from their cellar for the first time in New Zealand. This class showcases their cellar of Burgundy wines.

We are proud to present a collaboration with German fine wine specialist Kierdorfwein showcasing some of the wines from their cellar for the first time in New Zealand. This class showcases their top of the line German and Piedmont estates.

Whether you call it Grenache or Garnacha (or Garnatxa or Cannonau…) the stylistic diversity of the sun loving variety is greater than ever

In a departure from our usual heavily-tutored format for Burgundy, we have curated a collection of exacting wines for a next-level blind tasting experience. Join Stephen Wong MW as he attempts to guide/mislead you on an adventure of delicious identification.

This is the full-day intensive version of our Austrian Wine course. Stephen Wong MW and Austrian Wine team up to deliver the most in-depth course on Austrian wine ever conducted in New Zealand. Across 6 hours, discover how Austria has become one of the world’s most exciting wine countries and taste some of its most sought after wines.

SORRY, SOLD OUT. Stephen Wong MW and Austrian Wine team up to deliver the most in-depth course on Austrian wine ever conducted in New Zealand. Across three days, discover how Austria has become one of the world’s most exciting wine countries and taste some of its most sought after wines.

SORRY, SOLD OUT. Stephen Wong MW and Austrian Wine team up to deliver the most in-depth course on Austrian wine ever conducted in New Zealand. Across three days, discover how Austria has become one of the world’s most exciting wine countries and taste some of its most sought after wines.

Our colour series returns in it’s most historical referencing hue yet - amber. Learn what makes these wines glow a little moodier than their light hearted orange wine counterparts as well as their linkage to the origins of the first wines ever made.

SORRY, SOLD OUT. Stephen Wong MW and Austrian Wine team up to deliver the most in-depth course on Austrian wine ever conducted in New Zealand. Across three days, discover how Austria has become one of the world’s most exciting wine countries and taste some of its most sought after wines.

Our new two-day workshop combining both practical, technical tasting skills and the philosophy of taste aesthetics and communication. Class size will be kept intimate to maximise interaction and discussion.

Our new two-day workshop combining both practical, technical tasting skills and the philosophy of taste aesthetics and communication. Class size will be kept intimate to maximise interaction and discussion.

A Loire Valley best hits of cheese and wine (with a few lesser known examples of each thrown in) with lover of the Loire and resident curd-nerd, Caitlin Perlman

The series for true Aligoteurs is back with 4LIGOTÉ! Join Stephen and Caitlin for our longest running series which brings the best of the natural wine and Burgundy communities together in celebration of acidity and freshness!

We are thrilled to be joining forces with Dhall & Nash Brandon Nash to present you with Frank Cornelissen’s newly landed set of wines from Mt Etna’s superstar natural winery.

Our first Insider masterclass of 2023 goes right to the heart of Puligny-Montrachet’s most celebrated vineyards and her definitive producers; Leflaive, Sauzet, Carillon, de Montille et al. Join Stephen Wong MW for this special look into world class Chardonnay.

Through a single medium, Chardonnay, we will examine what makes the Jura unique - beyond the veil. Led by Caitlin Perlman

Join Caitlin Perlman in the latest installment of style-focused series, for a light-hearted look at the lighter side of light red wines.

Understanding the complexities of this famous region through an exploration of its subzones and vineyard character. Led by Stephen Wong MW

Mencía has been getting a fair amount of buzz internationally in the last decade or so. Join Caitlin Perlman (and relatively recent Mencía fangirl) in showcasing the variety from it’s most famous climes: Bierzo, Ribeira Sacra, Valdeorras, Rías Baixas, and Dão

The first of our long-promised series on Gevrey-Chambertin finally hits the calendar on May 1st! Come explore ten of Gevrey’s top 1er Crus expressed by ten producers with vintages from our cellar going back to 1999. Stephen Wong MW will lead this class on a village dear to his heart.

Day Two of our new two-day course on new developments in German wine and the work of the VDP. Here we journey beyond the familiar bounds of German Riesling. Hosted by VDP Ambassador, Stephen Wong MW

Introducing our new two-day course on new developments in German wine and the work of the VDP. We will cover separate topics on days one and two; looking at vineyards, regions, styles, quality levels and more than just Riesling! Hosted by VDP Ambassador, Stephen Wong MW

Whatever you call them: vins de soif, chilled reds, glou glou, juice…. These red(ish) wines are here to refresh and challenge classic definitions while they’re at it. Join us for a deep dive into one of the most joyful categories of wine. Our resident naturalista Caitlin Perlman will lead this class.

Let’s get seriously into some serious Beaujolais with a look at what’s new in this hot region; top lieu-dits from its top producers, there is much to discover here for fine wine lovers. Co-hosted by Stephen and Caitlin, we will look at these wines from multiple perspectives.

A cheesier take on a region of great deference: Burgundy!

Natural wine education series for Wellington hospitality. Casual, walk around tasting featuring 20+ orange/amber/ skin fermented white wines at Puffin.

Join Stephen Wong MW for a deep dive into the premier crus of Beaune, from old classics to new stars in our February Burgundy masterclass

Our New Zealand wine short course is back! Across three Wednesday evening classes, we will explore the regions and their benchmark styles from North to South as well as the wines challenging those norms.

Our New Zealand wine short course is back! Across three Wednesday evening classes, we will explore the regions and their benchmark styles from North to South as well as the wines challenging those norms.

Come up for a casual drop-in tasting with Lucie Lawrence of O Naturel, the new organic domaine from the talented vignerons behind Aurum Wines of Central Otago.

Our New Zealand wine short course is back! Across three Wednesday evening classes, we will explore the regions and their benchmark styles from North to South as well as the wines challenging those norms.

Start off the year right with our first Burgundy class back. We return to Chablis with a look at recent vintage, new developments in the region and how warmer vintages work with the styles of this classic wine. Join Stephen Wong MW for a dive into Chablis!

With Summer come the tides of rosé. Instead of looking at the ever so popular, barely blushing wines of Provence, we will instead turn our attention to the wines scrapping rosé orthodoxy and embracing colour

A tour of the Loire Valley by way of the winemakers carrying on the values of the regions original pioneers

For the final Corks & Curds of the season, we will be indulging in Champagne wishes and triple crème dreams. Across a matrix of sparkling wine styles, diverse cheeses, and various accoutrements, we will endevour to find the perfect holiday pairings.

Explore the various waves of the new wave of Spanish wine through the lens of white wines from across the country with Caitlin and Stephen

Burgundy Passport returns with a wide-spanning lineup of Meursault’s iconic producers across its recent evolution of style. The focus will be on top 1er Cru sites and recognised lieux-dits. Join Stephen Wong MW on this masterclass for a deep-dive into the stellar wines of this village.

As a part of Organic Wine Week 2022, we will have our doors open to members of hospitality for a self-guided tasting of organic NZ wine.

Burgundy Passport crosses over into the wildly fun world of natural wine in our third rendition of Aligoté. Burgundy’s underdog white grape continues to capture imaginations throughout the region; it’s the secret wine few talk about, yet seemingly all the top producers have one! Join Stephen to reprise and refresh our annual immersion into the acid-driven crisp freshness of Aligoté.

Burgundy Insider digs into the cellar to explore the unique wines and position of the Côte de Beaune’s only red Grand Cru, and places it in the context of its surrounding vineyards. Join our resident Master of Wine and Burgundy geek, Stephen Wong, on a deep dive into the sites, climats, producers and ageability of Corton hill’s red wines.

Where respect for Spain’s viticultural heritage meets the rapid spread of natural wine philosophy, a dynamic and uniquely Spanish movement of New Wave wine has redefined the country’s red wine identity. The regions and varieties are just as different as the techniques employed. From Ribeira Sacra to Cadíz, Terra Alta to the Sierra de Gredos and Utiel-Requena, some join us on a journey through this exciting new landscape of Spanish wine.

What is natural wine today and how did we get here? Across two evenings, Caitlin Perlman will lead a partially philosophical, partly technical look at what it means to enjoy natural wine today. Across 20 wines and a myriad of philosophies, we will discuss the natural wines that define todays’ scene as well as those that embody the origins of the movement.

The renewed interest in Chenin Blanc continues to rise, from its heartland in the Loire to as far away as the southern hemisphere regions of South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. From workhorse grape to superstar, the love of Chenin has captured imaginations around the world. Join us as we delve into the fascinating evolution of styles that profess their love of Chenin

What is natural wine today and how did we get here? Across two evenings, Caitlin Perlman will lead a partially philosophical, partly technical look at what it means to enjoy natural wine today. Across 20 wines and a myriad of philosophies, we will discuss the natural wines that define todays’ scene as well as those that embody the origins of the movement.

Our Grower Champagne series returns in April with a fresh look at some new to NZ vignerons, subregions which deserve more recognition and downright delicious, category-defining wines. Presented by Stephen Wong MW

Trade Only Class for Wellington hospitality staff. Registration by email to sylvaine@winesentience.com. Seats by allocation.

On the surface, it may feel like pet-nat can easily be summed up after tasting a single wine. But after a couple decades in the spotlight, the lines around what pet-nat is, and is not, what it should or should not be, and even how it is made are blurring. Join us for a dive into the uncertain lines of one of wines funnest styles!

The face of New Zealand wine is changing to encompass an ever growing collection of new voices and philosophies. Join Caitlin Perlman for an in depth look at some of the emergent winemakers and the new directions they are pushing the industry

The days are long and the reds are chilled! Join Caitlin Perlman for a look at the lighter side of red wines - literally.

A dive into the unique styles and flavours of the wines of the Jura. Hosted by avid Jura enthusiast, Caitlin Perlman

Join Stephen Wong MW for a journey through the least well understood of Burgundy’s three great white wine villages - Chassagne-Montrachet. Taste and understand its key producers, main vineyard areas and changing winemaking style as the appellation’s character reveals itself over the span of two hours.

Our New Zealand wine introspective returns for the new year! Across three sessions, take a deep dive into the past, present and future of NZ wine

Let Caitlin and Stephen take you on a whirlwind journey around the world, to uncover mind-bending examples of Riesling against the grain. Take a sip of the madness.

Our New Zealand wine introspective returns for the new year! Across three sessions, take a deep dive into the past, present and future of NZ wine

Our New Zealand wine introspective returns for the new year! Across three sessions, take a deep dive into the past, present and future of NZ wine

Kick of 2022 with Stephen Wong MW in a class that takes us right back to the regional wines. The most broadly-sweeping view of Bourgogne via the lens of its top producers, this is a great introduction to the complexity and quality of Burgundy as a region.

In the last Corks & Curds of the year, the theme is all about enjoyment. Join ex-cheesemonger and faithful curd nerd Caitlin Perlman for a night of finding the most (and, possibly least) successful cheese pairings - with wine as well as classic accoutrements

With more people from more places making Orange wines, diversity of style is greater than ever. Join Caitlin Perlman in exploring the myriad of styles and flavours of wines in a category often treated without nuance

Going further then we have before, join Stephen Wong MW on a Burgundy Insider’s trip into the hallowed wines of Chambolle-Musigny - tasting across the commune’s famed producers like Roumier, Mugnier, de Vogüé and Barthod going right back to 1998 and 2002 and encompassing the big three of Les Amoureuses, Bonnes-Mares and younger vines from Musigny.

Join sommelière Caitlin Perlman for a deep dive into New Zealand wine across three evening sessions focused on classic examples from the major regions as well as the next generation of up and coming winemakers challenging the norms.

Join sommelière Caitlin Perlman for a deep dive into New Zealand wine across three evening sessions focused on classic examples from the major regions as well as the next generation of up and coming winemakers challenging the norms.

Join sommelière Caitlin Perlman for a deep dive into New Zealand wine across three evening sessions focused on classic examples from the major regions as well as the next generation of up and coming winemakers challenging the norms.

Join ex-cheesemonger and cheese enthusiast Caitlin Perlman on a deep dive into the diverse flavours in cheese and how they got there; from the initial influences and precursors, to the chemical pathways, and the notion of terroir

Discover the latest releases from the original organic champion domaine for complantation (field blends) in Alsace. We will be exploring the wines of Marcel Deiss, all made from complanted grapes up the scale from Alsace AOC, through his village wines, the ‘1er Crus’ and the Grand Cru.

Aligoté is BACK! Come join our resident Aligoteurs Caitlin and Stephen for another madcap journey into this hidden secret grape which a surprising number of top domaines quietly craft for their personal enjoyment.

Join Stephen Wong MW for an exploration into some of his favourite fine wines from Sherry. This session will focus on biologically-aged wines, highlighting top-regarded pagos and the soleras and bodegas which age them.

Join Caitlin Perlman in a more jovial look at Loire Valley wines - through the lens of some of the wines being made by the next generation of iconoclasts pushing regional norms and expectations forwards

The second instalment of Burgundy Observer looks at soils (and subsoils), asking what relationship, if any, it has with wine quality or style.

Cru NZ offers a deeper look into the singularity of some of New Zealand’s highest regarded vineyard sites. In our first installment, we will be tasting wines from four Marlborough vineyards: Clayvin, Churton, Cowley, and The Wrekin

Burgundy Observer examines the wider themes facing a Burgundy enthusiast. Our first instalment looks at the significance and impact of vintages on style and asks if there is a relationship between vintage and quality.

Explore the pungent, and diverse world of washed rind cheeses alongside regional vinous allies with former cheese-monger and washed rind enthusiast, Caitlin Perlman

Explore the 1er Crus of Volnay in this collaboration with Peter Maude Fine Wines

A natural wine immersive covering basic wine fundamentals through to the drivers of the original movement and the current role of natural wine in today’s wine culture. THIS CLASS IS FULLY BOOKED

Burgundy Passport resumes with a look north of Gevrey at the hidden gems of Brochon, Fixin and Marsannay. Join Stephen Wong MW on a journey ‘beyond the wall’

A look at Hawke’s Bay through the lens of the lighter red wines that are not often a part of the larger narrative of the region. Hosted by Rod Easthope and Olly Styles

Our Grower Champagne class returns as Stephen Wong MW delves even deeper into the underground, iconoclastic vignerons and vineyards. We’ve pulled together a one-time list including several aged and rare bottles from the cellar.

Joyful sparkling wines told through the lens of New Zealand’s most personable pétillant naturel

A conversational workshop with winemaker and friend Amy Farnsworth exploring the cost of making, selling and drinking natural wine

Cheeses and wines from the Alpine regions of Europe

An in-depth analysis of the three distinct sectors of Nuits-Saint-Georges, told through the story of its top premier cru vineyards and its finest domaines. Presented by Stephen Wong MW.

Discover the joy of cellared sweet German Riesling, showcasing wines from the Mosel, Nahe, Pfalz and Rheingau going back to the stellar vintage of 2001

Corks & Curds: NZ Cheese

Burgundy Passport continues with deep dive into this goldilocks commune, though a star-studded lineup of the great, definitive producers of Morey-Saint-Denis. Hosted by Stephen Wong MW

Faults are unavoidable, particularly in conversations around natural wine. So how do we address them in the wines we love?

Our mid-winter celebration featuring fresh wines from organic winemakers across NZ is back! Try all the limited quantity wines at our one night launch party or a select few at some of our favourite Wellington establishments after the launch for a more intimate look at the style

A fun crossover class for both Burgundy lovers and those looking for something new and exciting! Stephen Wong MW will lead this class on the “other” grape of Burgundy, Aligoté, told across three trios of remarkable wine from great producers.

Burgundy Passport resumes after lockdown with an in-depth look at the premier cru red wines of Savigny-lès-Beaune. In the hands of its finest producers, these charming yet surprisingly satisfying wines contend with the best of the Côte.

An intimate dinner with Charlotte Krajewski at Logan Brown previewing the 2019 reds from barrel alongside wines from 2018, 2016 and 2014.

We introduce the great wines of Alsace in this masterclass. Join Master of Wine, Stephen Wong on a journey through iconic sites showcasing the main varieties of the region.

This instalment of Burgundy Passport delves into the western communes of the Côte de Beaune in search of hidden gems from great producers who have established themselves in St.-Aubin, St.-Romain and Auxey-Duresses. Come discover why these wines have garnered the attention of collectors and Burgundy lovers in recent years. Stephen Wong MW presenting.

Three of NZ’s wine growers and wine makers will lead a discussion on what intricacies and challenges they face by opting to steer away from the norms and farm without irrigation

In this part of our Burgundy Passport Series, learn about the developments which took Beaujolais from dismissed to one of the most fashionable regions in Burgundy. Led by Stephen Wong MW

Join our resident Curd Nerd and natural wine sommelier, Caitlin Perlman for our last class of the decade. Here we explore the hyper-seasonal cheeses from both the northern hemisphere and NZ, including the last available wheel of Mont d’Or in the country.

A deeper look into how natural wines develop and mature

Come delve into the exciting wines of Mount Etna - volcanic soils and high altitudes combining to grow some of the most unique reds, whites and orange wines of the Mediterranean!

Stephen Wong MW dives deep into the iconic vineyards and producers of the Rhône’s underdog appellations; St.-Joseph & Cornas.

Wines made from indigenous varietals and the rugged landscape and climate of the Alps