Unique new wine tasting experience

Aucklanders and visitors to the city can now enjoy a brand new, exciting and entertaining interactive wine tasting experience right in the heart of the city. Big Picture Wine takes guests on an amazing cinematic journey to six different vineyards all from under one roof at the Auckland Fish Market.

Big Picture Wine is the brainchild of wine-maker, Phil Parker and his wife Cath who opened their first venue in Cromwell in December 2003. The Hawkes Bay experience opened in October last year.

“This is wine tasting at its best,” Phil said. “This is a unique tasting experience for everyone, whether they are wine enthusiasts or just want an introduction to local wines. Around 40,000 visitors a year enjoy the Big Picture Wine experience in Cromwell and I think it’s really going to take off in Auckland too.”

Master of Wine and wine writer, Bob Campbell described Big Picture Wine in Cromwell as “The most exciting and innovative wine tasting of your life”.

In Auckland red wine and white wine experiences alternate every other week. This fascinating wine adventure uses cinematography and specially patented wine pouring technology and starts in the unique aroma room. Here guests enjoy a hands-on approach to sampling and identifying the individual characteristics of the wine bouquet. The nose is tantalised by up to 100 different individual scents.

After this awaking of the sense of smell, guests are guided through to the auditorium where the taste buds are indulged and it’s time to ‘take off’ on the 25-minute flight over Auckland’s spectacular landscape. The film touches down in six local vineyards. Six corresponding covered tasting glasses are then sampled whilst listening to the winemaker from each vineyard on screen. A description of the grapes, the soil, aroma profile, palate structure and distinct character of each wine is offered along with interesting insights into the areas around the vineyards.

Phil Parker said, “Big Picture Wine offers Aucklanders and visitors a great way to get more out of wine with friends. At only $30 each it’s also great value”. Phil suggested that “combined with a wander around the Fish Market and a meal it makes a great afternoon or night out.” After the film guests can relax in the wine bar and purchase further samples
of the featured wines and others from the area. They can enjoy snacks from the seafood tapas menu either eating inside or al fresco. Bottles can also be purchased at cellar door prices and gift-wrapped with shipping arranged.

Big Picture Wine, Auckland is open now and situated at the Auckland Fish Market on Jellicoe Street.