Pinot Pioneers
Wairarapa Wine Region's Pinot Pioneers celebration dinner in early August paid homage to Nick Hoskins of Vine Managers and the late Richard Riddiford of Palliser Estate.
Black Estate Owners Nicholas Brown and Penelope Naish, along with Penelope's parents, built the lean, black building in 2011, intending it to be a tasting room on their North Canterbury vineyard.
"Then it became really busy, and we got a chef, and then we got a better chef, and it's just grown," says Penelope, sitting on the restaurant deck, with its beautiful view of vines and valley.
"We've always had a real focus on organic and local produce so the foos synergy with the wines, and provides context of the region and cool climate."
They are strictly seasonal and, for example, will only serve tomatoes for a handful of weeks each year when they are available in the valley.
The close relationships built with suppliers and neighbours also gives them a better understanding of their place in every season, she says, reflecting on the insights shared by local farmers, fishers and growers.
"They may not work with vines, but their experiences are all relevant to ours, and it's a great chance to be connecting with our community."
Meanwhile, serving people delicious food without chemicals, and bringing communities together, off their screens and into nature, brings rewards of its own, she says.
"It's a total motivation for us."
