New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with Kumeu River – Monday 16th September

 The story of the Brajkovich family and Kumeu River mirrors that of the New Zealand wine industry as a whole, from the pioneering days of struggle to global recognition for wines of elegance and precision.   

The original business was built from the ground up by Maté Brajkovich and his family, Dalmatian immigrants who arrived in New Zealand in 1938. But it was in the 1980s that Maté’s son Michael (who was to become New Zealand’s first Master of Wine) transformed the business, together with his brothers Milan and Paul. Today Kumeu River stands as one of New Zealand’s – and the southern hemisphere’s – most reputed makers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.  

We are delighted to have the property’s vineyard director Milan Brajkovich join us for a tasting of what he describes as ‘New World wines with an Old World twist’. Milan manages a total of 40 hectares of vines, including 10 hectares overseen by regional growers from whom he purchases grapes. The core of these holdings are in Auckland, whose cool climate ensures the Chardonnay ripens fully while retaining acidity, lending it both the texture and complexity that the variety can yield in the best sites.  

And the best sites have certainly been identified over the years – notably in the acclaimed single-vineyard wines, peaking with the superb Maté’s Vineyard and Hunting Hill Chardonnay, both of which will be tasted on the night. In more recent years the winery has expanded its reach to Hawke’s Bay, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, from where Members will taste three vintages of both its Rays Road Chardonnay and its increasingly reputed Rays Road Pinot Noir. 

We look forward to welcoming you to sample the very best of New Zealand.  

The wines we will be tasting: 
2019 Pinot Noir, Rays Road, Kumeu River 
2020 Pinot Noir, Rays Road, Kumeu River
2021 Pinot Noir, Rays Road, Kumeu River
2021 Chardonnay, Rays Road, Kumeu River
2022 Chardonnay, Rays Road, Kumeu River
2023 Chardonnay, Rays Road, Kumeu River
2023 Chardonnay, Hunting Hill, Kumeu River
2023 Chardonnay, Mate’s Vineyard, Kumeu River
2018 Chardonnay, Hunting Hill, Kumeu River
2018 Chardonnay, Mate’s Vineyard, Kumeu River 

Please note that we now offer a tasting board of charcuterie, cheese, olives and nuts to accompany your tasting. Simply select your preferred option from the dropdown menu when you book your tickets.

Monday 16th September
St. James’s Room
18:30 – Welcome reception
19:00 – Masterclass begins
20:30 – Masterclass ends