Unfiltered tales from the vines await. Join Chef Sean Connolly and New Zealand’s most audacious winemakers as fresh flavours of the Med collide with boutique bottles at Esther’s dinner series – Esther is twisting the cork on your ordinary wine dinners. Each night, they'll unmask a renegade New Zealand winemaker bringing their limited releases and cellar contraband to your glass. Mystery pours, wild stories, and spilling New Zealand’s vinous secrets, the table is set for a fruitful night with fellow vinophiles.
Your Experience Includes:
- Three-course menu crafted by Chef Sean Connolly
- Welcome glass of wine on arrival
- Chef and winemaker selected wine pairings with each course
- Keepsake postcard featuring the evening’s food and wine pairings to recreate at home
Event Lineup
Bilancia | 15 May | 6PM
Join Esther's team for an evening of intrigue as they sip from the vines of the Hawke’s Bay region. Chef Sean Connolly delivers flavours of the Mediterranean to the table as they decanter tales of Bilancia with winemaker Lorraine Leheny. An evening that celebrates Bilancia’s premium varietals of Chardonnay and Syrah, paired with Esther favourites. Begin with a round of Guess the Glass —identify the year and grape varietal of your wine and claim a $50 Esther Restaurant voucher for your next culinary adventure.
Radburnd Cellars| 17 July | 6PM
As twilight falls, step into Esther’s warm embrace where Hall of Fame winemaker, Kate Radburnd joins us for an evening of discovery and delicacy. Delve into select drops from Radburnd Cellars, as maverick spirit, Executive Chef James Laird, takes you on a three-course journey of the truffle. Tis the season after all. The night begins with a welcome glass of Kate’s most celebrated Chardonnay, easing you into an evening where New Zealand’s finest vintages meet inspired cuisine that celebrate the treasured truffle. Test your palate with our Blind Sip Roulette — guess the vintage correctly and walk away with a $50 Esther Restaurant voucher!
Hans Herzog | 18 September | 6PM
Join us at the winemakers table for a night of vinous mischief with one of New Zealand’s most respected winemakers, Hans Herzog. Chef Sean Connolly brings the plates, Hans brings the bottles, as you bring your taste for the good stuff. Hans Family Estate, prioritise quality over quantity, producing wines which are a beautiful blend of Swiss precision, and the unique terroir and climate of Marlborough region.
The evening begins with a glass of Hans favourite drop and our “Mystery Pour Challenge”—guess what’s in the glass and a bottle of Hans Family Estate’s finest could be yours to take home!
Flat fee of $7.50 per day on weekends at Fanshawe Street carpark. Find out more.
Kids ride free on public transport on weekends and public holidays. Find out more.