Stars sip NZ wine at Oscars luncheon

A Marlborough wine company is celebrating its success at the Oscars - not for any films but for its starring role on the tables of nominees.

Loveblock’s sauvignon blanc featured on the menu at the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, where nominees got a chance to mingle before the awards ceremony.

It was one of just three wines on the menu, alongside La Crema Pinot Noir and Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut.

Loveblock Wines founder Erica Crawford said she was thrilled her wine was chosen for the luncheon.

‘‘New Zealand is obviously famous for its sauvignon blanc and we’re really pleased ours was selected,’’ Crawford said.

‘‘At Loveblock, we pride ourselves on crafting a collection of organic and sustainable wines that are also elegant and complex, and we hope all those Academy Award nominees enjoyed tasting our little slice of Marlborough.’’

The company used organic grapes from its Awatere Valley vineyards for sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, pinot noir and chenin blanc, as well as unusual varieties such as gewurztraminer and moscato.

Loveblock’s wines were sold in New Zealand at Glengarry stores nationwide, some Super Liquor and Thirsty Liquor stores, and some specialty stores including Gladstone Wine & Spirits.

The luncheon, held in February, featured a menu of Chilean sea bass with mango and red and white quinoa, roasted asparagus with crispy shallots and ovenroasted tomatoes, and a dessert made up of mini lemon tarts, mini tiramisu cups and fresh berries.

Nominees enjoying the spread included Hollywood celebrities Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, Willem Dafoe, Christopher Nolan, Guillermo del Toro and Stephen Spielberg.

Best Picture went to The Shape of Water, Frances McDormand won Best Actress for Three Billboards, and Gary Oldman won Best Actor for Darkest Hour.

Child Cancer Foundation is appealing for donations during its annual appeal month, so they can continue to support over 1,700 Kiwi children with cancer and their families. The Child Cancer Foundation is also looking for volunteer collectors to help with the national street appeal taking place on March 16 and 17. People interested in volunteering as collectors can call 0800 424 453 to be connected with their local organiser.