Hawke’s Bay wine industry honoured alongside global heavyweights
This week, it was announced that Hawke’s Bay – New Zealand’s oldest wine-growing region – has been crowned as the 12th great wine region of the world, alongside Bordeaux, Napa Valley and Adelaide. The news is a welcome nudge for the industry during the region’s recovery after Cyclone Gabrielle. The accolade has been bestowed by Great Wine Capitals, dedicated to discovering the best regions for wine tourism around the globe. It took several factors into account including Hawke’s Bay’s wine-growing history and current industry, educational and tourism opportunities and the cities themselves. “Hawke’s Bay’s inclusion as one of just 12 Great Wine Capitals of the world is of regional and national significance. It is recognition that Hawke’s Bay wines are among the world’s best, and that our nation’s wine-growing industry, while still young, offers quality to rival the world’s oldest,” says Hawke’s Bay Tourism CEO Hamish Saxton. For six of the top wineries to visit in the region, see our comprehensive guide.

A wine lover’s dinner with Ata Rangi and Onslow
Helen Masters of Ata Rangi is one of New Zealand’s top winemakers with the accolades to prove it. She’ll be joining Josh Emett at his inner-city Auckland restaurant Onslow for a special evening of topnotch food and excellent wine on Wednesday June 14. The duo will host a five-course meal with a one-off menu created especially by Emett to pair with seven Ata Rangi wines. Dine on dishes like twice-baked cheese soufflé with gruyere, hazelnut and truffle cream, as Masters guides you through a special selection including Ata Rangi’s pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. $260 per person, tickets here.

Butter Butter is back for more
The queue for Petra Galler’s first baking pop-up at Roses Dining Room a couple of weeks ago was something to behold – and if you missed out on the Butter Butter chef’s Medovik honey cake or tiramisu crepe cake (or just want another taste without having to make it yourself), you’re in luck: she’s doing another pop-up this Saturday May 27. Head to the foyer of the George Court Building at 238 Karangahape Road from 9.30am for a sensational selection of sweets. Keep an eye on the Butter Butter socials for updates.

Food and fashion at Bivacco
Local label Caitlin Crisp will be holding a fashion presentation at sprawling Viaduct Harbour restaurant Bivacco. It’s our favourite kind of show: one with a side of lunch. Tickets are $135 each and include a three-course meal, a flute of Moët & Chandon on arrival and a Malfy cocktail to enjoy during the proceedings. Plus, you can shop any styles that catch your eye straight off the runway, and there’s a goodie bag included. Get in quick to nab remaining seats at the bar leaners via the ticket link here. Thursday June 29, 12.30pm-4.30pm. Bivacco, 115 Customs Street West, Auckland Central.

Bedford Soda & Liquor celebrates 10 years in business with a new direction and menu
Ponsonby Central bar Bedford Soda & Liquor opened in 2013 with a focus on nostalgic American-style drinks like alcoholic floats and shakes, and a food menu centred on meatballs that you’d order with interchangeable sides – think mash, spaghetti, polenta or in a sub. After living overseas for eight years, experienced bartender and consultant Jason Clark has returned to Aotearoa and been appointed creative director. To celebrate 10 years in business, Clark (who’s vegan) has overseen menu evolution that includes more health-conscious, plant-based and alcohol-free options (while still keeping the classics). Now, you can order a boozeless Margarita, dairy-free shakes and vegan meatballs – along with tater tots or crispy fried chicken strips and mac'n'cheese with bacon. Something for everyone. bedfordsodaliquor.co.nz

Tauranga bakery Breadhead has expanded with a new cafe space
From the former owners of cult-favourite Love Rosie Bakery, Breadhead has steadily made a name for itself since opening its petite Tauranga shop in December 2018. Now, it’s expanded from a simple to-go bakery model into a cafe, taking over the tenancy next door to offer Atomic coffee, seating, and time to mull over your bread and pastry choices. Read our First Look here.