Kelmarna Community Farm in Tāmaki Makaurau, tucked between Ponsonby and Herne Bay, was the most perfect setting for this beautiful community event. The farm is a certified organic urban oasis that has been growing food and community for over forty years. If you haven't visited, I highly recommend stopping by and checking out their event listings. It felt like the most picturesque place in the world to enjoy the day, sit in the grass and talk about wine.
I brought along summer drops such as the Amber Alby and Chenin alongside the newly released Amphora Gamay Noir 2024. Sharing them in that setting, with those people, felt exactly right. My mum was visiting from overseas, which made the afternoon even more special. There is something lovely about sharing the wines you have poured your heart into with such a like-minded community.
The day was full of wonderful company. Three Fates, Tawhiti, Responsible Hedonist, Halcyon Days were all pouring. Events like these are wonderful moments to catch up with winemaking friends and celebrate each other's wines. Georgia Van Prehn created the most delicious menu for the day, with incredible coffee by SL.OW. Katie from Wineheads ran short educational talks throughout the day, which I loved. When people understand what goes into the glass, they connect with it differently.
The feedback on the new Gamay made my day! Seeing people enjoying a wine in real time is one of the best feelings in this work. If you missed this one, make sure you are on the list for the next event. These afternoons are always intimate, always fun, and the wines are always worth showing up for.
Photos by Emily Raftery Photography