Meet The Makers: NZ Wine Dinner

Join us for an unforgettable evening of New Zealand winemaking excellence as Saint Wine and The Reserve Cellar presents a rare dinner hosted by some of Aotearoa’s most exciting and expressive producers. Set in the sophisticated surrounds of Firma Italian, this exclusive experience brings together six celebrated winemakers from across Marlborough, Central Otago, Martinborough, and North Canterbury for a guided journey through their most prized vintages.

From elegant chardonnays and perfumed pinots to small-batch gamay, riesling, and late harvest delights, each wine has been expertly paired to showcase the best of New Zealand’s modern terroir; many of which have never been poured in Australia.

During this exclusive dinner we will explore…

• Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc 2023 – RRP $38 | 94 Points
• Novum Chardonnay 2023 – RRP $65 | 96 Points
• Oraterra Chardonnay 2023 – RRP $100
• Dicey Chardonnay 2022 – RRP $35 | 93 Points
• Devotus ‘Aprentis’ Pinot Noir 2022 – RRP $95
• Dicey Gamay 2023 – RRP $55
• Novum Pinot Noir 2023 – RRP $65 | 95 Points
• Oraterra Pinot Noir 2023 – RRP $115
• Taka K Waipara Pinot Noir 2023 – RRP $50 | 92 Points
• Poppies Late Harvest Riesling 2024 – RRP $65 | 96 Point

This one-night-only dinner is a celebration of regional character, winemaking craft, and the rare opportunity to meet the minds behind the wines. With limited seating and several winemakers pouring in Australia for the first time, early booking is essential.

Event Summary

• Meet six acclaimed winemakers from across New Zealand
• Wines from Marlborough, Central Otago, Martinborough and North Canterbury
• Exclusive pours never before seen in Australia
• Guided wine pairings across a multi-course dinner at Firma Italian
• Learn the stories behind each wine, directly from the makers
• One night only with limited seats available
• Discounted tickets for Cellar Club members*

*To claim your club discount, please visit The Reserve Events page to unlock your discount code: www.reservecellar.com.au/events.



About the hosts:

This is a rare chance to spend an evening with some of New Zealand’s most compelling winemakers—all in one room, for one night only. Each brings a unique story, style, and philosophy to the table, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the wines they pour and the regions they represent.

James Dicey
Dicey (Central Otago)

A Central Otago pioneer and viticultural expert, James Dicey is known for his hands-on, vineyard-first approach. With a deep understanding of Bannockburn’s dramatic terroir, he crafts wines that speak with clarity and purpose. Dicey is not just a winemaker but a grower at heart—his wines are an unfiltered expression of the land, climate, and culture of Otago.

Alex Judd
Greywacke (Marlborough)

Carrying the legacy of Kevin Judd (formerly of Cloudy Bay), Alex Judd is now at the helm of Greywacke, where innovation meets heritage. With a strong foundation in both science and art, Alex continues to shape the brand’s iconic wild-ferment Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, crafting wines of remarkable texture and balance that have gained global acclaim.

Rachel Jackson-Hoare & Will Hoare
Novum (Marlborough)

As co-founders and winemakers at Novum, Rachel and Will represent the new face of Marlborough—elegant, site-specific, small-batch wines made with intention. Will brings a long family history in viticulture (his father founded Fromm), while Rachel adds a meticulous attention to detail honed through her scientific background. Together, they’re building one of the most exciting premium labels in the region.

Wilco Lam
Oraterra (Martinborough)

Formerly head winemaker at Dry River, Wilco Lam is a force in Martinborough winemaking. With Oraterra, he crafts wines of depth, restraint, and precision—championing low-intervention techniques and vineyard-led decision-making. His Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are complex and cerebral, yet deeply drinkable—a reflection of both the region and his quiet mastery.

Poppy & Shayne Hammond
Poppies (Martinborough)

Beloved in Martinborough for their warm hospitality and expressive wines, Poppy and Shayne Hammond run one of the most visited cellar doors in the region. With wines rarely seen outside New Zealand, their presence at this dinner is a unique opportunity to taste and connect with one of the country’s most heartfelt producers. Their late harvest Riesling is a particular standout—aromatic, textural, and beautifully balanced.

Takahiro Koyama
Taka K (North Canterbury)

A perfectionist and purist, Taka Koyama’s wines from North Canterbury are precise, elegant, and deeply terroir-driven. With international training and experience—including time in Burgundy—his approach marries Old World finesse with New World energy. His Pinot Noir is known for its vibrant acidity and fine structure, while his whites bring clarity and mineral edge.

Plus: Devotus (Martinborough)

Though not physically in the room, wines from Devotus—one of Martinborough’s cult Pinot producers—will also feature in the lineup, completing this rare tasting of New Zealand excellence.