Villa Maria Winemaker's Premium Wine Tasting

Simon will run through 5 amazing wines, including single vineyards wines from Keltern, Taylors Pass and Southern Clays, as well as the legendary 2013 Ngakirikiri Cabernet Blend. 

`100 POINTS. Is this perfection? No, it’s better than that, if that’s possible! ...this stunning wine (is) thought-provoking and sensually awe-inspiring.`   SAM KIM - WINEWRITER REVIEWING THE 2013 NGAKIRIKIRI

Simon Fell - Winemaker 

Simon Fell joined the Villa Maria group in 2003 and has over 25 years of winemaking experience working in wine throughout the world.  Simon’s winemaking career has seen him work for wineries in Bordeaux, Gers, Oregon, Napa Valley, Chile, and Margaret River. In his current role as a Senior Winemaker at Villa Maria’s Auckland winery, Simon enjoys the challenges and vast possibilities of producing a range of varietal wines from New Zealand’s key winegrowing regions.

“The opportunity to produce premium wines from each of New Zealand’s key wine growing regions is very rewarding,” he says “It is great to work closely with the viticulture teams in each region to ensure our wines express their unique sense of place.”

Simon is also an active wine judge where he has participated in many renowned wine competitions in New Zealand and Australia.

Outside of work Simon is a keen outdoorsman who enjoys diving, ocean swimming and running. Together with his wife Jacqui they are avid foodies who enjoy preparing gourmet food and wine dinners for their friends and family. 

Included in ticket price are boutique cheeses, dried fruits and handmade breads.