WINTER TREATS
Plan yourself a luxury weekend escape
Now is the time to start planning a few special treats to get you through winter, and where better than at a luxury lodge? The trio of lodges owned by Julian Robertson — Kauri Cliffs in Northland, Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay and Matakauri in Queenstown — have a series of tempting special events planned starting with Family Reunion. The head chefs from each lodge will come together to create a unique six-course tasting menu (May 2425) at Kauri Cliffs. While Wilco Lam, the winemaker from Dry River vineyard which is also owned by Robertson, will be on hand to match wines to the menu. Plus there will be wine-tasting classes and cooking demonstrations over the weekend. A wine weekend with Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter (Aug 9-11) at Kauri Cliffs is another opportunity to expand your wine reportoire, mull over the importance of site versus winemaker, and gives you a chance to BYO bottle to share with fellow wine buffs over a long table Burgundianstyle dinner party. If your passion is more top shelf, A Celebration of Gin (June 7-9) will be the perfect reason to visit Kauri Cliffs. Host for the weekend is former leading London bartender Michael Ball, who will tantalise your tastebuds with gins from boutique NZ distillers Scapegrace, Reid + Reid, and Sacred Spring. Expect gin masterclasses, plenty of cocktails and a five-course dinner based around gin.
• To find out more, visit robertsonlodges. com/exclusive-offers/lodge-events