Wine expert toasts NZ wines in talk
Franco-Kiwi wine relations covered in society session
The well-known wine authority and author of How to Drink a Glass of Wine will feature at the Kāpiti Historical Society’s June session. John Saker’s talk is a must for all those who enjoy wine.
Saker’s topic is Franco-Kiwi wine relations: 1840 to the present.
“New Zealand’s first wine was produced in 1840 and was given a glowing review by the French explorer, Dumont D’Urville.
“From that time, the French have quietly made telling contributions to our country’s vinous development.
“Today, New Zealand is the furthest outpost in the global diaspora of French grape varieties and the relationship is one of mutual interest and respect.”
Many wine buffs will have seen the documentary A Seat at the Table which looks at the New Zealand wine industry and how it continues to gain world renown.
“An interesting feature were the
views of long-established French winemakers on the best of the country’s whites and reds.
“They were impressed.”
As well as being a wine judge and writer, Saker was a professional basketballer in earlier times and played overseas in France and the
United States.
The Kapiti Historical Society’s programme for the rest of the year is almost finalised and is looking like:
Tuesday, July 11 — Josh Parris on Wellington’s Predator Free programme. (To be confirmed.)
Tuesday, August 8 — Priscilla Williams on the Bolton St Cemetery in Wellington.
Tuesday, September 12 — Jock Phillips on Monuments and History
Tuesday, October 10 — Andy Oakley on his new book The Alien Cell Hypothesis
Tuesday, November 14 — Chris McLean on his new book about the history of Whitcomb and Tombs
Tuesday, December 12 — Allen Carr on the New Zealand Whaling Industry (to be confirmed.)
For more information on the Kapiti Historical Society, contact Roger Childs at pamandroger.childs@gmail. com or Gordon Dickson at glengords@gmail.com.