Book your Masterclass for 50 minutes of fun during the Festival.
Don’t miss out on these 50-minute Masterclasses available throughout the day.
At these beloved experiences you will gain exclusive insights from Marlborough’s finest winemakers and local food producers, delving into a discovery of wine and food that celebrates our enviable wine region and the producers that put it on the map. Tickets are limited.
Scroll down to see what is on offer.
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![Méthode Marlborough- Steeped in tradition, crafted in excellence.]()
Méthode Marlborough- Steeped in tradition, crafted in excellence.
11:30 am - 12:20 pm
Delve into the world of Méthode Marlborough, a collaboration of celebrated Marlborough wine producers dedicated to creating world-class Méthode Traditionnelle sparkling wines using the ‘traditional method’ for wines produced outside of the French Champagne region.
In this 50-minute masterclass, experience an exclusive insight led by Marlborough’s finest sparkling winemakers.
Discover the centuries-old process being used to create these exceptional wines and learn how Marlborough winemakers naturally turn their wine from still to sparking whilst sampling a variety of Marlborough’s best sparkling wines on offer.
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![The Wild Side – Native Yeasts Meet Fermented Feasts]()
The Wild Side – Native Yeasts Meet Fermented Feasts
12:30 pm - 1:20 pm
Let nature take the lead with wines made from wild fermentation and food pairings that embrace funk and flavour. A wild match made in Marlborough just for you.
This 50-minute masterclass is a celebration of wild things from naturally fermented wines to fermentation-led foods, and a fearless approach to wild flavour. Guided by a renowned Marlborough winemaker and a beloved fermentation-focused chef, you’ll explore six wines crafted without commercial yeast, paired perfectly with a selection of fermented food creations.
Uncover the natural science of fermentation and how letting nature take the lead can unlock unique character, complexity, and new layers of flavour in the glass and on the plate.
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![Wine Judging 101– The Art of Blind Tasting]()
Wine Judging 101– The Art of Blind Tasting
1:30 pm - 2:20 pm
Ever wondered how wine medals are won? Learn how to taste like a professional judge and learn the lingo of wine tastings in this interactive blind tasting session. Have you got what it takes?
Presented by expert winemakers and wine show judges, this 50-minute experience will demystify the judging process and give you a better understanding of what sets a gold-medal wine apart-and maybe a new favourite or six.
You’ll taste six wines completely blind (no labels, no clues!) and learn how to assess quality, balance, structure, and varietal expression like a pro.
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![Masterclass: Wine & Cheese pairing New Wave Whites]()
The New Wave of Whites Masterclass: Emerging White Wines and Cheese Pairing!
2:30 pm - 3:20 pm
A tasting not to be missed by curious white wine or cheese lovers! We’ll explore the distinct characteristics of each varietal while sampling six thoughtfully selected wines alongside a tasting plate of complementary cheeses. Join us for an informative look at Marlborough’s evolving white wine landscape paired with local cheese!
In this 50-minute masterclass, taste a selection of emerging white varietals from Marlborough, including the likes of Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, and other grape varieties that have thrived in other regions around the world. Discover how these unique and lesser-known wines are successfully grown in Marlborough, and how to pair perfectly with artisanal cheeses from our region.
