KIWI VINO STARS
The lads from Invivo wines, Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, have conquered the London market with their partnership with Graham Norton, and this week they intend to conquer the other side of the Atlantic with a big party in New York. They’re hosting a launch party with former America’s Top Model judge and renowned photographer, 45-year-old Nigel Barker, their US glambassador, on Wednesday at hip Manhattan table-tennis lounge bar SPiN.
Barker is inviting his celebrity friends and influencers, including Hugh Jackman’s wife Deborra-lee Furness, stars from Blue Bloods and Twin Peaks, current Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Chase Carter ,a handful of US Olympians and the president of the New York stock exchange Thomas
Farley, for good measure.
“We are really excited about launching feet first into New York and are excited about hosting the party with Nigel,” Lightbourne told Spy.
Keep your eyes peeled on the Invivo social media this week.
And good news too for man about town Stephen
White, owner of Waiheke’s Stonyridge vineyard, which produces the world-famous Stonyridge Larose.
He’s been in France, being inducted into the Jurade de SaintEmilion in Bordeaux in recognition for his winemaking excellence.
“It’s like becoming a Sir for wine and as far as I am aware I am the only New Zealander to be bestowed the honour,” White told Spy. “This year, I put on my regalia for a parade through the streets to the Collegiale Church of Saint-Emilion. It was a blast to hear Nouvelle-Zélande called out over the speakers throughout the town as my name was called. “Afterwards we had a wine banquet lunch in the Jardins et Salle des Dominicains and then the proclamation of the Ban des Vendanges from the medieval tower to open the harvest.”
The next day he was off to London, where on Friday he was to be named and admitted as a Freeman of the City of London, Guildhall. “It’s another wine honour, Lord Quentin Wallop, the 10th Earl of Portsmouth nominated me. I am chuffed — I’ve asked Sean Fitzpatrick to come along for the celebrations.”
We’re picking it’s top shelf all the way.