No.1 News and Updates

The countdown is on to the fabulous Taste of Auckland event. 

With 40 pop-up restaurants & bars, a huge artisan market full of passionate producers from all over New Zealand, live music by cutting edge musicians, and the "Godfather of modern cooking himself - British culinary legend Marco Pierre White, there's a lot going on!

So, we thought we'd help you make the most of the event. We're sharing three tips to help you get the best 'Taste' of Auckland.

Planning makes perfect:

Whether you're heading to Taste as part of a group, with a friend, or going solo. It makes sense to plan ahead. The event runs over four days, Thursday the 31st October until Sunday the 3rd November. Both Friday and Saturday are split into two four-hour sessions. Firstly, make sure you leave plenty of travel time so you arrive promptly to be able to enjoy your full session. Also, review all the Taste Experiences and Festival Zones online before your day, so you have an idea of your must-sees and must-dos!

Beat the queues:

The Taste festival has its own digital currency, Crowns. You can purchase these at the door if you have a General Admission ticket. But purchase a Premium or VIP ticket and you'll beat the queues because your tickets and Crowns are sent to you, meaning you just have to collect your glass at the door. Find out more HERE.

Visit the No.1 Family Estate Cuvee Bar:

No visit to a food and drink festival would be complete without a glass of bubbles! We'll be pouring our classic No.1 Cuvée, the fresh and inviting No.1 Assemblé, the dry, fresh and elegant No.1 Rosé, our limited edition No.1 Reserve and finally our limited edition vintage Cuvée Adele. Do stop by and say hello!

To celebrate Taste of Auckland we're giving away two pairs of General Admission tickets. One pair to Session 4 and one pair to session 6. Enter HERE.

Whenever we're in Wellington, we love to visit Ortega. In this week's article, we caught up with co-owner Davey McDonald so we could share with you a little more about the bustling 'Fish Shack and Bar'!

When did the doors to Ortega first open? 

We opened in 2009 on November the 5th. We were even lucky enough to get a wee fireworks display thanks to it being Guy Fawkes Night

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

We have heaps of fun here at Ortega. We have a lovely team both out the front and in the kitchen, with loads of awesome people who come in to see us as customers. We love looking after people and showing them a good time here in our relaxed atmosphere. We have a short & fresh focused menu with a big range of drinks to choose from.

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

We print out our menu here every day at Ortega based on what’s gorgeously fresh & available each day. We have a big emphasis on fresh fish and seafood but also love playing around with our menu to keep it fun & interesting. We have a couple of classic dishes which have always been on our menu like our Beef Fillet with Café de Paris butter & fries. We like to use other meaty bits and pieces and vegetarian dishes too. We always use what’s around and in season.

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

Generally, our produce is sourced very locally and from people who we know and love. Whatever is the best quality, sustainable & freshest is what we are looking for, and then we can build our menus around that. We have a very wide range of suppliers. We like using people who give their products lots of care and respect and can tell us all about the story and history behind it.

What makes Ortega unique in its style and service? 

We like to keep it simple, fun & want our customers, staff & suppliers to think of it as their own place

What is key to your success? Why do customers keep coming back?

We’re always tinkering to make sure we keep things interesting, fun, delicious & exciting but try to remain like an old reliable friend to everyone too.

If you had to describe Ortega in three words, what would these be? 

Love, home, family

No.1 Rose features on your wine list, can you share a few suggestions from your menu that pair with it beautifully? 

No.1 Rose has always been on our wine list here at Ortega, we absolutely love it. It’s an amazing way to begin before a meal that’s for sure or to have with our starters like oysters, olives & bread, teeny weeny fish sammies or marinated mussels. We have a lovely fish main course on at the moment which is just awesome with the No.1 Rose, Pan-roasted fish of the day served with roasted Jerusalem artichokes, yams, gem lettuce & vadouvan broth

VISIT THE ORTEGA WEBSITE

Join us in London for the Amathus Portfolio Tasting.

Our UK distributors, Amathus, are holding their inaugural Portfolio Tasting at a historic Central London venue, The Royal Society of Chemistry, Burlington House, London.

While this is a trade event during the daytime, come the evening they are opening the doors for a public tasting. You'll be able to taste an unrivalled selection of over 300 exclusive, award-winning handpicked wines and spirits from all corners of the globe.

No. 1 Family Estate will be there, offering tastings of our award-winning No.1 Assemblé. This wine is a classic blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The structure of Chardonnay, the finesse of Pinot Noir and the softness of Meunier offers a fresh and inviting wine with sophisticated and typical characters and intense flavours.

You can buy tickets for the Portfolio Tasting at any of the Amathus stores or online HERE.

We can't wait to see you so mark the date in your diary. Wednesday 11th September 2019 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

This Sunday marks Pinot Noir day, and just because you love bubbles you don’t have to miss out on the celebration!

Dry, yet fresh and elegant, our No.1 Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir. This graceful wine leaves a lasting impression of opulence and splendour.

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.”

The judges said, “This exceptional rosé celebrates the superb climate of Marlborough, New Zealand. A delicate salmon pink colour this wine offers a balance of subtle cherry, raspberry and almond hints. With a beautiful strawberry flavour. It pairs well with fish and seafood.”

Contrary, to popular belief, your No.1 Rosé should never be considered simply as an aperitif. It’s quite at home as the star of the show! As a food-pairing champion you may wish to follow the Glass of Bubbly judge’s advice, it's also delicious with duck and lamb.

To help you celebrate Pinot Noir Day our No.1 Rosé is back in stock!

Stock is limited, so, don't miss out, buy yours HERE.

Father’s Day is just around the corner. Sunday 1st September is the day you should be celebrating the person you think is the best Dad in the world.

To help you do that we’ve written a post with our No.1 gift recommendations!

A classic No.1 for a number one Dad – Nothing says quiet, classic, sophistication quite like No.1 Cuvée. Introduced into the New Zealand market on 14 July 1999, it is one of New Zealand's most highly regarded Methode Traditionelle wines. No. 1 Cuvee was the first wine produced by No. 1 Family Estate.  It is renowned throughout New Zealand and internationally winning numerous trophies (including IWSC and Winestate), gold medals and five star awards since its release.

An aged wine – If your Dad likes his wines with a little age behind them, he’ll especially love No.1 Reserve. Each year, a limited amount of No. 1 is set aside for long-term aging on lees and released after several years as a “Reserve”. This release from the family’s winery was held on lees for five and a half years allowing full autolysis displaying a consistent superfine bead, and firm mousse resulting in a typical, complex, champagne-like character, and giving it the title of “Reserve”. The palate is intensely flavoured and focused with the good fruit-yeast balance providing elegance and style. The extended lees aging has given it extra richness with complex biscuity notes, a well-balanced delicate freshness and a lengthy finish.

Young at heart - No.1 Assemblé is a non-vintage brut, Assemblé that has spent a minimum of 18 months on lees, encouraging full yeast autolysis, making it an easy-drinking, aperitif style. It is fresh and inviting with sophisticated and typical characters, intense flavours, and a long finish.

PLUS, we’re launching our Father’s Day competition:

Treat the person you think is the Best Dad in the World this Father's Day with a meal on us!

We're giving away... $100 Voucher for six fabulous restaurants throughout New Zealand.

To be in the draw simply fill out a form and be sure to share with your friends. For every friend that enters from your unique referral code, you'll receive a bonus entry.

ENTER HERE

Yesterday we celebrated New Zealand Sunday at the wonderful Harrow at Little Bedwyn.

We were in great company with a whole host of other New Zealand winemakers. The day started with a walk around tasting where guests enjoyed Oysters (a perfect match with No. 1 Cuvée), Gazpacho Shots and Foie Gras and Salted Caramel Macaroons.

After this, Roger Jones served up a most delicious feast!

• Vichyssoise with Perigord Truffle
• English Feta and Dried Isle of wight Tomatoes
• Chilled Pad Thai with Shellfish
• Octopus and Fresh Shrimps with Greek Dips
• Belly of Pork and Pork Fillet served with Pickled Cabbage, Vine Tomatoes, Padron Peppers and BBQ Sauce
• All rounded off with Mini Summer Trifles

For No.1 Family Estate, as well as celebrating New Zealand Sunday, we were also celebrating a special anniversary of our own. 14th July is Bastille Day. 20 years ago on Bastille Day, July 14, 1999, we released the first bottle of No. 1 Cuvée.

Virginie, a teenager at the time, took charge of the release in Auckland. She made a speech and, as is customary with our celebratory occasions performed a magnificent sabrage. The next day, we were due to head to Wellington to launch No.1 Cuvée but were held up by fog in Auckland. So, our 10-year-old Remy, (who had been taken to Wellington by friends to meet us there) took things in his stride and did the same at Te Papa! He made it into the Dominion newspaper!

We are as proud today of our fabulous No.1 family as we were twenty years ago. Both immediate and extended family continue to support us on our journey and we're delighted that you are still enjoying our award-winning bubbles, à votre santé!

July is picnic month!

This celebratory month for dining outside may be aimed at our friends in the Northern hemisphere, where summer has suddenly arrived in earnest. But, at No.1 Family Estate we think you can toast the occasion anywhere in the world. As long as you have something suitably sparkling to hand!

In this post, we thought we’d share some of our favourite foods for summer and winter picnics.

A sparkling summer picnic:

It’s the horse racing season in the U.K. so if you’re filling your hamper with tempting treats before you hit the Tote then read on for inspiration.

What to pack:

• Ditch the soggy sandwiches for succulent seafood. A platter of smoked salmon, prawns and lobster tails makes the perfect light lunch or early evening supper. You can even buy seafood platters already assembled at good old Marks & Spencer. Check out their dedicated food halls for seafood treats.
• Choose your cheeses well. Paxton & Whitfield has been Britain's leading cheesemonger for over 200 years. They offer free UK delivery on all orders over 60.
• A blanket to be proud of. The Tweedmill, Polo Picnic Rug from Fortnum & Mason has a polyester nylon backing for a waterproof finish. When rolled up, it’s held together in style, using British bridal leather straps.
• The main ingredient… A bottle of No.1 Cuvée chilled to perfection! Head to your Amathus to find yours.

A warming winter picnic:

Based in the Southern Hemisphere? Celebrate mid-winter with your loved ones. Light your brazier or fire pit and rug up against the elements.

What to pack:

• Soups in a thermos to warm the cockles of your heart.
• Perfect Parfait from L’Authentique served with crusty bread, loaded with carbs to keep the warmth in!
• An extra layer. We love Kapua knitwear from Untouched World. An exclusive selection of fine premium possum fibre blended with luxurious cashmere and silk.
• The main ingredient… A bottle of No.1 Rosé to toast the fact that you’re feeling toasty! Visit one of our stockists to find yours.

July will be here before you know it! And we have three reasons why you should be visiting, what Lonely Planet dubbed, the 'coolest little capital in the world'! Yes, it's time to take a trip to Wellington!

Here are three reasons to visit Wellington this July.

Your winter wardrobe needs an update:

Shop the Golden Mile formed by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place for high fashion from National and International designer. Don't forget a visit to the fabulous David Jones department store, the high-end Australian chain's first store this side of the Tasman.

If vintage cool and independent boutiques are more your style hot foot it to Cuba Street.

Your taste buds need a workout:

Start the day off with breakfast or brunch at Sweet Mother's Kitchen or Floraditas. We can't get past Logan Brown for a long lazy lunch or delicious dinner. If you need a quick afternoon pick me up to sustain your shopping legs head to Martha's Pantry, Wellington's famous high tea room.

Winetopia is back:

Just in case you needed one final excuse to visit the city… On 12th and 13th July, the Greatest Celebration of New Zealand wine is returning to Wellington for its third year! Winetopia will be hosted at the TSB Arena.

You can immerse yourself in the uncorked world of New Zealand wine, tasting delicious drops from over 50 of the best wineries. And of course, No. 1 Family Estate will be there. Join us for some sparkling sensations. We’ll be tasting some of our most popular wines. We can’t wait to see you!

Buy your tickets HERE.

We may have already celebrated NZ Rosé Day in February. But, in other parts of the world, the second Saturday in June has become known as the day to celebrate rosé wine. So, it seems a fabulous opportunity to raise another toast to a glass of something deliciously pink. And what could be more perfect than a glass of delicate salmon pink No.1 Rosé?

Our dry, yet fresh and elegant, No.1 Rosé that leaves a lasting impression of opulence and splendour won a trophy last year at The 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.

The judges said, 'This exceptional rosé celebrates the superb climate of Marlborough, New Zealand. A delicate salmon pink colour this wine offers a balance of subtle cherry, raspberry and almond hints. With a beautiful strawberry flavour. It pairs well with fish and seafood.'

So, it's a perfect drop for those of you celebrating Rosé Day this summer in the Northern Hemisphere. All that said, we believe this food-paring champion, truly is a wine for all seasons to be enjoyed whatever the weather. It's delicious with duck and lamb, and in the depths of a southern hemisphere winter what could be more comforting than roast lamb for Sunday lunch…

If you decide to escape the fireside and eat out in New Zealand, you can enjoy a glass of our delicious No.1 Rosé at Oyster & Chop, Huami Bar, Little Jimmy or Crave Café in Auckland. Parts & Services or the Boat Shed in Nelson. Ortega in Wellington, or the fabulous Arbour in Blenheim.

You can also taste No.1 Rosé at two fabulous events this June. We'll be out and about at Winetopia in Auckland on 14th and 15th June and The Decanter Great Sparkling Exploration in London on 20th June.

It may be almost June but that’s no excuse to hibernate with a dose of the mid-winter blues. It’s time to celebrate the season. So why not plan a trip to the city?

Here are three reasons to visit Auckland this June.

Your winter wardrobe needs an update:

Whether you choose the bright young designer stars at Britomart, head to the bijou boutiques in Ponsonby, or simply scour the fashion scene at Smith & Caughey’s, you’re sure to find that must-have piece for your winter wardrobe.

Your taste buds need a workout:

There’s no shortage of fabulous eateries in Auckland. To discover some top tips from our lovely lady, Virginie, take a peek at this article from our blog archives. Virginie shares her recommendations for breakfast, lunch and dinner! You won’t go hungry.

Winetopia is back:

Just in case you needed one final excuse to visit the city… On 14th and 15th June the Greatest Celebration of New Zealand wine is returning to Auckland for its fourth year!

Winetopia is your opportunity to try hundreds of lovingly crafted wines, be inspired by famous faces and learn from wine gurus. And of course, No. 1 Family Estate will be there. Join us for some sparkling sensations. We’ll be tasting some of our most popular wines. We can’t wait to see you!

Buy your tickets HERE.