No.1 News and Updates

At No.1 Family Estate, we feel fortunate to be able to welcome many discerning wine lovers to our cellar door each year. We wouldn’t be able to do this without our stellar cellar door team. So, in this week’s article, we thought you might like to meet Jo, Donna and Delphine! Read on to find out more.

The Cellar Door Team - From left to right: Donna, Jo, Delphine.

Jo:

Jo joined the team in October 2018. With a background in hospitality, as a restaurant manager, she very quickly slipped into the role of hosting our visitors, who come from all over the world. Jo is now our cellar door manager, but she also supports the marketing team at various wine events around the country.

Jo’s favourite part of her job is witnessing the reaction of people as they taste the wine, she says, “They are always in awe of the fine sparkling wines we produce here.” 

Asked to share her favourite No.1 Family Estate wine, Jo finds it tricky to decide… She eventually concedes that No.1 Rosé is her favourite summer sip! When it comes to a food and wine pairing, she’s much more decisive, saying, “Anybody who knows me will be aware of my love of desserts. Adele’s Lemon Posset with fresh Marlborough raspberries and No.1 Cuvée is difficult to get past!”

Outside of work, you’ll find Jo in the garden, nose-deep in a good book or out and about enjoying the Marlborough lifestyle that she’s always known!

Delphine:

Delphine joined the team over four years ago. With a background in retail, (as a department store buyer), and also in hospitality management; customer service has always been high on her agenda, so, she is a real asset to our cellar door team. Delphine really fosters the friendly, welcoming experience we consistently aim to achieve for our guests.

Delphine is a fan of No.1 Assemblé, which she loves to pair with salmon and a fresh, garden salad. 

With an eye for detail and a keen interest in crafts, Delphine is also our go-to-girl when we need bespoke cards, decorations for a special occasion or simply to make our gift displays and cellar door look gorgeous.

Originally from the deep south, Delphine spent much of her adult life in Christchurch before settling in beautiful Marlborough, (much to our benefit!). Outside of work, she’s a busy woman. You’ll find her socialising with friends, joining in activities at the Lions Club or delivering Meals on Wheels!

Donna:

Donna moved to Marlborough in 2016 and joined the No.1 Family Estate family shortly afterwards. Previous to this, she had been based in Auckland, working for a global medical publishing company, where she ran the learning and development department, training young scientists to be medical writers. This background has armed Donna with a love of details, and our guests love to know all the interesting wine facts that Donna passes on. 

Just like Delphine, Donna’s favourite No.1 Family Estate wine is No.1 Assemblé. Firstly, because she loves the pronunciation of its name! But more importantly, because of its versatility. She says, “This wine stands alone as an aperitif, but also because of its intensity it holds its own as a food match.” On the subject of food matches, Donna thinks a few smoked salmon canapés and a glass (or two) of her favourite No.1 Assemblé is pretty perfect. 

Donna has fallen in love with the South Island, and when she’s not working, you’ll find her exploring, either by car or on foot!

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When you are next in Marlborough, do call in to say hello to our stellar cellar door crew! 

Regular readers of these articles will know that every now and again we like to share some of our favourite restaurants. This month we're visiting beautiful Nelson and we're featuring not one, but two, of our favourite dining spots.

These two eateries go hand-in-hand, as both are owned by Nelson hospitality stalwarts, Tania and Matt Bouterey.

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Urban Eatery: 

Urban Eatery first opened its doors five years ago, and it's here that Head Chef, Jay Clement, works his magic for the hungry post-work crowds, delighting regular diners with new creations most weeks.

We caught up with the team at Urban to find out more:

Why is the top of Hardy St the perfect location for Urban Eatery?

It’s a little off the beaten track which helps people relax, away from the hustle & bustle.

Can you tell us a little bit about the dining style at the restaurant?

Sharing is the concept, put your elbows on the table, sit back and relax with friends while sharing delicious dishes.

What sort of foods can guests expect to enjoy? How do these change seasonally?

Our veggies are seasonal and everything is made in-house. So our menu changes depending on what is available to pick. Fresh oysters, sashimi and sliders feature, but there are too many delicious dishes to name them all!

Can you tell us a little about where you source your produce from?

All our veggies are hand-picked by Matt from the farms, seafood is sustainably sourced and meat is ordered mainly from local suppliers.

What makes Urban Eatery unique in its style and service?

Our staff are our key, we don’t just hire anybody, they need to fit with our business, have fun and love interacting with our customers.

No.1 Cuvée features on your wine list, what would you choose from the menu as a perfect pairing?

Oysters and our new prawn dish!

VISIT THE URBAN EATERY WEBSITE

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Harry's Hawker House:

Harry's Hawker House is a more recent addition to Nelson's famous dining scene at the top of Trafalgar Street, opening its doors in December 2018. Here, Head Chef, Riki Day, has a share in the business with Matt and Tania. We caught up with, Restaurant Manager, Sandra, who gave us the lowdown!

Can you tell us a little bit about the dining style at the restaurant? 

We are a passionate group who work exceptionally well together as a team while having fun... From the plating of the food in the kitchen to the presentation of the food at the table, we thrive in providing the best dining experience to all our diners. 

What sort of foods can guests expect to enjoy? How do these change seasonally?

Fresh flavours and local ingredients are matched with regional wine and beer. The head chef, Riki, has created a menu which is Asian inspired, influenced by classic dishes with his own signature twist. Dishes on the menu change regularly depending on what's in season. 

Can you tell us a little about where you source your produce from? 

We use as much local and homegrown ingredients as we can lay our hands on. We grow eighty per cent of our own produce. Matt’s busy at the farm growing & picking what's in season. 

What makes Harrys Hawker House unique in its style and service?

Harry's Hawker House is an expression of love in food form for a region of people we've come to greatly admire & respect. We like to keep things casual while creating a fun and unforgettable dining experience for our diners. 

No.1 Assemblé features on your wine list, what would you choose from the menu as a perfect pairing?

No. 1 Assemblé has been on our wine list from day one and we love it. It is definitely a big hit on a Friday with all our regulars, helping them to get their weekend started. 

It is a great match with all our Asian cuisine, our spicy wild meat jungle curry being one. It also pairs beautifully with our HHH fish board, which is a selection of all our fish dishes on our menu.

VISIT THE HARRY'S HAWKER HOUSE WEBSITE

 

At No.1 Family Estate we're proud of our close-knit team, where everyone is part of the family! This week we thought we'd introduce you to the newest addition to the winery team, Dan, who joined us just over three weeks ago. Read on to find out more.

What did you do before you joined the No.1 Family Estate team?

I have a background in the automotive industry, where I held mainly technical roles. This mechanical experience has helped me to understand and respect the machinery we use in the winery.

What does your role involve, and who do you work with?

I work with Lee, Mike, Joff and the rest of the winery team carrying out general winery work and operating the machinery.

What’s the best thing about working at No.1 Family Estate?

I love being part of a team that produces delicious award-winning wines. It's good to know that we're playing a part in people's celebrations.

What is your favourite No.1 Family Estate wine and why?

I love the Assemblé, it's very palatable!

What’s your favourite food and No.1 Family Estate wine match?

I have a great Chinese five-spice pork belly recipe, I think it will taste fantastic with No.1 Assemblé. I'm definitely going to try that match when I'm next in charge of the kitchen.

Are you from Marlborough? If not, how did you find your way here?

Not originally. My partner is in the RNZAF and took a posting at Woodbourne.

What do you love most about the Marlborough region?

That's easy... The abundance of lovely, sunny days.

When you’re not working how do you spend your time?

I'm usually out with my partner, on our motorbikes, exploring this beautiful part of the country.

With February 14th just around the corner, the time has come to decide how you’ll celebrate your love this year.

Sparkling wine and Champagne have long been synonymous with the dizzy heights and star-struck feeling of a new romance. In the seventeenth century, Dom Pérignon announced he was ‘Drinking the stars’. And, in the 1958 film, Gigi, Leslie Caron insisted that you could ‘Fly to the sky on Champagne.’ Whether you are in the first throes of love or a rather more established relationship, we think that a glass of bubbles is the perfect way to toast your togetherness!

With that in mind, we thought we’d share three ways to enjoy a fabulous bottle of fizz this Valentine’s Day:

Stay-at-home date night:

If you’ve decided that heading out on February 14th is not for you, then mark the occasion with a stay-at-home date night. You might choose to cook a romantic dinner and set the table for fine dining. Alternatively, you might choose to picnic in the backyard and drink in the same wonderful stars that Dom Pérignon experienced in the seventeenth century. If you want to add a little extra sparkle to complement those stars then you'll definitely find it in a limited-edition bottle of vintage Cuvée Adele. Coined by Yvonne Lorkin, the co-founder of Wine Friend as “A love story in a bottle”, Cuvée Adele is magnificently presented in a wonderful gift box that lights up when you open it, illuminating the stunning Swarovski crystal decorated bottle.

Low-key date night:

If you don’t want to go 'out-out', but want the romance of stepping out. Then head to the beach or the wharf and dine on fish and chips. Looking for a wine to pair with your fish supper? A bottle of deliciously crisp, No. 1 Cuvée is a perfect match... Just like you and your love.

‘Out-out’ date night:

If you’re going all out and booking a table for two then choose a restaurant that serves excellent fizz! To discover some of the fabulous dining establishments that serve No.1 Family Estate wine, take a look at our Distributor List.

You may also wish to enter our online giveaway. Simply fill out a short entry form and you could win a $100 Voucher from your choice of six fabulous restaurants.

• Hallertau - Auckland
• Logan Brown - Wellington
• Café Cortado - Picton
• Harvest Restaurant at The Marlborough Lodge - Blenheim
• Boatshed Café - Nelson
• Ivy & Lola's – Queenstown

 

Enter HERE.

In just over three weeks’ time we’ll be pouring bubbles in the sunshine (yep, we’ve had a word with the weather Gods) with the classic sound of Aotearoa’s Katchafire playing in the background.

Photo Credit: Richard Briggs

We, like you, can’t wait to experience the delicious tastes of Marlborough, all packaged up with some fantastic entertainment.

So, in the meantime, we thought it would be fun to help you enjoy a practice session. Here are three tips to help you arrange a mini Wine & Food Festival at home in the run-up to the main event.

Three tips for a Wine & Food Festival… At home!

Shop Local:

Marlborough’s Wine & Food Festival is all about local.

When you’re looking for flavour, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the local Farmer’s Market, wherever you are. Look for small, independently owned and speciality food shops for quality products full of flavour. Here in Marlborough we love BV Gourmet.

Pair Perfectly:

Once you’ve found the delicious morsels to whet your appetite, it’s time to wet your whistle with the perfect wine pairing, and don’t forget the bubbles. Contrary to popular belief, sparkling wine shouldn’t simply be reserved as an aperitif. All of our No.1 Family Estate wines are food-pairing champions.

• No.1 Cuvée and oysters are a match made in heaven!
• No.1 Rosé also pairs well with fish and seafood. That said it’s also delicious with duck and lamb.
• We love No.1 Assemblé with Gravadlax of Salmon.
• And you can even serve bubbles with dessert. Adele’s famous Lemon Posset pairs perfectly with No.1 Cuvée.

 

Buy your No.1 Family Estate wines from our online store, we ship throughout New Zealand. Or find your local stockist.

Spin some Sounds:

Prepare your Spotify playlist and get the party started. Spotify recommend that your playlists should consist of about 40+ songs or be at least two hours long. It does, of course, depend on how long you intend to party!

We hope you enjoy your home-based Wine & Food Festival, and if you’d like tickets to the main event we’re giving two away! All you have to do to enter is fill out a short form with your details. Enter HERE.

Two and a half months ago we were fortunate to have Ellie Vincent join the No.1 Family Estate 'family' as Marketing Manager.

We thought you'd like to meet Ellie, so in this week's blog article we're delighted to make the introductions!

What did you do before you joined the No.1 Family Estate team?

Prior to joining No.1 Family Estate, I worked for Accolade Wines as the Brand Manager for Waipara Hills and our premium Australian portfolio; including Grant Burge Wines and St Hallett from the Barossa Valley. This was my introduction to marketing in the wine industry and the mix of these brands and the team at Accolade was a great platform to get me started. It must be said that No.1, which is the only winery in New Zealand exclusively producing Méthode Traditionelle, is very different and I am learning something new every day.

What does your role involve, and who do you work with?

As Marketing Manager, I will have a wide remit looking after No.1 events, advertising, social media, merchandise and providing support for our sales reps. Like many small family-run businesses, the question should be who don’t I work with! In my short time here I’ve been working with the entire Le Brun family, with most of my time spent with Adele Le Brun and General Manager, Samantha Scott. I am also out in the winery on a daily basis getting plenty of help from our Winery Manager Lee Dobson and his team.

What’s the best thing about working at No.1 Family Estate?

In my interview, Adele said ‘first and foremost we are a family business and that means everyone who works here’; this has been 100 per cent my experience so far. I already feel part of the family.

What is your favourite No.1 Family Estate wine and why?

At the moment, I just love the No.1 Rosé. It is so perfect for this time of year when the weather is warming up and friends are coming around for BBQ’s in the garden. Who doesn’t love Rosé? And in my opinion, bubbles makes it all the better.

What’s your favourite food and No.1 Family Estate wine match?

For Christmas day we always have a ‘Champagne’ breakfast with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and croissants – this year we will definitely be enjoying Cuvée No.1.

Are you from Marlborough? If not, how did you find your way here?

I grew up in Auckland and moved to the UK in 2007 when I was 22. I met my husband there and in 2015 he was offered an opportunity through his work to move to Marlborough. It was a hard decision to leave our life in the UK (we’d just finished renovating our first home), but since arriving here we’ve not looked back. It’s been the perfect place to start our family and bring up our little boy James, who is nearly two.

What do you love most about the Marlborough region?

The landscape, the vines and the people.  I drive to work every day with a spectacular view of mountain ranges on all sides and the valley floor lined with vines.  It doesn’t matter what you’ve got going on, seeing this Marlborough landscape makes you feel balanced, (the daily 3 hour return commute to London by tube, train and often a final walk in the rain is truly a distant memory!). One of the things I didn’t expect when moving here was to meet so many wonderful people who have become life-long friends.

When you’re not working how do you spend your time?

Running (literally) around after a toddler! James is nearly two and dearly loves dogs and water! Lately I find myself constantly changing him out of wet and muddy clothes, changing outfits myself after being squirted with the hose, or drying off the dogs…  also squirted with the hose. At the weekend we like to head down to the Sunday Farmers Market, go for a family walk along the Taylor River or head out for lunch.

 

What do you want for Christmas?

I need a new pair of jeans, but really for us, just spending the day with family and watching James enjoy time with his cousin will be lovely.

Christmas is a time for giving, and often the best Christmas gift you can give is one that you would enjoy receiving yourself, and who doesn't enjoy a glass of bubbles?

At this time of year, it is customary for us to share our guide to festive fizz. Read on to discover how you can win the title of ‘Gift-Giver of the Year’!

No.1 Cuvée

One of New Zealand’s most highly regarded Methode Traditionelle wines. The wine is 100% chardonnay (blanc de blancs) – A perfect balance between ripe, fresh fruit and toasty yet creamy yeast.  It displays a fine, consistent bead and firm mousse resulting in a complex character. The palate is smooth and seamless with a wonderful balance of acidity, giving a wine of elegance and style.

No.1 Cuvée makes the perfect gift for anybody you’re hoping to impress. Take a bottle to Christmas brunch with prospective in-laws. Gift a bottle to your boss or say thank you to your clients for supporting you throughout the year.

No. 1 Assemblé

Our award-winning No.1 Assemblé combines the structure of Chardonnay, the finesse of Pinot Noir and the softness of Meunier. It embodies a classic Méthode Traditionelle style, to create a wine with elegance, complexity and wide appeal.

Assemblé means to bring together, or to blend and to unite. So, it’s perfect to get any party started!

Take this wine along to your festive celebrations or gift it to your hosts, you’ll always be top of any guest list.

No. 1 Rosé

This exceptional Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir and celebrates the superb climate of Marlborough. This graceful wine leaves a lasting impression – delicate salmon-pink with a mass of tiny bubbles.

This one will keep the chef happy! At No.1 Family Estate all of our wines are food pairing champions. No.1 Rosé pairs well with lamb and duck, so if you have a summer Barbecue lover this will certainly light their fire!

It’s also a perfect wine to help your friends celebrate the arrival of summer beach days. Last year, No.1 Rosé won a trophy at the internationally renowned Glass of Bubbly Awards, in the Sea Breeze category.  

“When you taste this wine, you will imagine yourself standing on a beach and tasting those tiny sea drops in the air.”

Cuvée Adele

Recently awarded a Gold Medal in the Sparkling Class at the Six Nations Wine Challenge, Cuvée Adele makes the perfect gift for your love.

Yvonne Lorkin, the co-founder of Wine Friend and Thirsty Work presenter, has previously called the wine, 'Mindbendingly Delicious' and because it was crafted by Daniel as a proud tribute to Adele, she also coins it 'A love story in a bottle'.

You couldn’t find a more perfect offering for the festive season. Toast your Christmas tree lights switch-on with a bottle that sparkles too!

Cuvée Adele is magnificently presented in a wonderful gift box. The box lights up when you open it, illuminating the stunning Swarovski crystals on the bottle.

Buying for the family?

We have you covered with our fabulous mixed cases. Remember that up until 15th December we are offering a free chiller bag* with every purchase of a mixed case.

A Magnum is also a wonderful gift when you’re buying for a family occasion, and our classic No.1 Cuvée is a real crowd pleaser!

*While stocks last.

Stocking fillers and Secret Santa gifts

We have a range of stoppers, tea towels, chiller bags and key rings that make perfect stocking fillers for your fizz-loving friends.

You can buy all our wines and gifts online or at our cellar door. We have extended our opening hours for the Summer and will be open daily from 10.00 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.

Shop online HERE.

Visit our Cellar Door at 169 Rapaura Road, Marlborough.

As the countdown to the Christmas season begins, it’s easy for our friends in the Northern Hemisphere to start feeling festive before we do.

There’s something about shorter days, cooler temperatures, Christmas lights and the arrival of the John Lewis seasonal TV advert that simply says… ‘Tis the Season’.

If you live in London and haven’t yet started to soak up the seasonal vibe then November is the time to do so!

Here are three November events that will have you reaching for the mince pies and obligatory Christmas knitwear faster than Rudolph can eat a carrot!

Skating at Somerset House:

The city’s iconic Somerset House ice rink opens on November 13th. With decorations courtesy of Fortnum & Mason it’s a festive extravaganza! Ready to get the Christmas party started. Don’t miss the Somerset House Skate Lates, a series of evening sessions featuring DJ sets from emerging talent.

Christmas at Flat Iron Square:

Monday 11th November sees the return of the Apres Ski Lodge to Flat Iron Square, London’s liveliest cultural hub.

From feasting on street food to popping your feet up in front of a magical movie. There is so much to enjoy. You can also make a start on your Christmas shopping. On Saturday 30th November, there’s a special festival with a Conscious Christmas Market featuring over thirty independent traders.

Cracking Christmas Wines with Three Wine Men:

On Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd November Lindley Hall will be transformed into a winter wine wonderland – the highlight of every wine-lover’s calendar.

Hosted by Oz Clarke, Tim Atkin MW and Olly Smith, this event is the perfect way to choose your favourite festive wines.

We will, of course, be there, and can’t wait to share our No.1 Family Estate wines with you. Enjoy tasting the classic No.1 Cuvée, the fresh and inviting No.1 Assemblé, the dry, fresh and elegant No.1 Rosé and our limited-edition No.1 Reserve.

Read more and buy tickets HERE.

It’s that time of year… We’re waiting for budburst and Marlborough is beginning to blossom with longer daylight hours and warmer weather. Hurrah, Spring is here!

It’s also time for one of the highlights on Marlborough’s social calendar. New Zealand’s premier garden event, Garden Marlborough runs from 7th to 10th November.

Spring is the perfect season to hold your own Garden Party. So, we thought we’d share three tips to help you do just that!

Celebrate the Season:

A seasonal menu is always a big hit. There’s so much to choose from come spring. New season asparagus and perfectly sweet peas are wonderful fresh ingredients to use in your salad. Plus, berries are coming into season, so dessert is easily sorted!

Be prepared:

We all know Marlborough is #brillianteveryday, but alas a Spring shower is always a possibility. If you don’t have suitable indoor space to accommodate a wet weather day, then a marquee or gazebo could be a wise investment. We have no doubt that your guests will want to stay awhile, so an outside heater, firepit, or even a large supply of toasty rugs and throws will allow them to party into the evening.

Don’t forget the bubbles:

What’s a party without bubbles? That’s where we come in. Our mixed cases are perfect for when you’re planning a party. Plus, we also have a special promotion that will ensure that when you’re asked to a Spring Garden Party your wine is perfectly dressed for the occasion. Buy any mixed case from our online store between 25th October and 15th December and receive a free chiller bag*. Shop our range of Mixed Cases HERE.

*While stocks last.

Visit Us:

If you’re heading to Garden Marlborough don’t forget to call into the Cellar Door to try our No.1 Family Estate bubbles. We have extended our opening hours for the Summer and will be open daily from 10.00 a.m. until 4.30 p.m.

We’re delighted to announce that Cuvée Adele 2013 has been awarded a Gold Medal in the Sparkling Class at the Six Nations Wine Challenge.

The Six Nations Wine Challenge showcases the very best new world wines from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Chile, South Africa and the US. Wines entered are evaluated by 6 of the most prominent and well-known Wine Judges in the New World, including New Zealand’s Bob Campbell MW.

This limited edition vintage cuvée is only produced in the years that Daniel considers being outstanding in quality and 2013 was one of those special vintages.

An extraordinary wine, it sparkles with a tightly focused bouquet exhibiting light biscuity notes, toasted nuts and a firm mousse.

Yvonne Lorkin, the co-founder of Wine Friend and Thirsty Work presenter, has previously called the wine, 'Mindbendingly Delicious' and because it was crafted by Daniel as a proud tribute to Adele, she also coins it 'A love story in a bottle'.

This is a perfect offering for your loved ones as the festive season approaches. Cuvée Adele is magnificently presented in a wonderful gift box. In full Hollywood starlet mode, the box lights up when you open it, illuminating the stunning Swarovski crystals on the bottle.

 

Be quick... We have extremely limited numbers available online. Buy yours HERE.

Or call into the cellar door, our new summer opening hours are:

From Sat the 19th October, seven days a week, 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 26th October, seven days a week, 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.