fandomhigh | Wine & Dine: Pairing Fine Food with Fine Wine in Fine Countries; Thursday, 4th Period [08/15].

"We shall continue our globe-hopping around to various different wine regions of the world this week," Ignis said, perhaps stating the obvious because, yes, very good, Ignis, that was rather the whole idea behind the class, "with a voyage to New Zealand, for a consideration of their impressive and burgeoning wine culture. Because while wine has been cultivated in this small Pacific island nation for some time, it is only in the last quarter century and change that it has been gaining some worldwide recognition, especially in their sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs, growing from just shy of 100 wineries only thirty years ago to nearly seven times that much today.

"Today, we will be visiting Waiheke Island specifically, and visiting Mudbrick, a fairly recent family winery with a heavy emphasis on their food as well as their wine, on an estate that should cater nicely to everyone's particular inclinations. Their selections are considerable, their restaurant impressive, and I'm sure we'll have quite a pleasant time with it."

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King of the Bracelets references coming in 3, 2, 1....

Gladiolus Amicitia

Summer Smith

Liliana Vess

Nell Ingram

Stark

As usual, things are kept rather short and to the point, saving as much time as possible for the actual tasting and the time afterwards to just enjoy what else the vineyard might have to offer.

Most people would likely be impressed by the vistas surrounding Mudbrick's flagship restaurant, but Ignis was mostly impressed by its seasonal tasting menu, boasting local ingredients at the hand of their head chef. There's plenty to try and wine to pair them with, although, as a small test of knowledge, Ignis will encourage the students to identify or even guess which of the fine wines available to them they would be pairing with the items on the tasting menu.

After a whole trip to a tapas restaurant, you might think that Liliana would be too full for a tasting menu. And you would be wrong. Especially with that gazpacho on the menu and also the lamb rib bonbons. Delicious.

(If you wanted to guess which wine pairings went with what, following Liliana's lead wasn't a bad choice, save the time she playfully insisted to Ignis that the only thing that could go with the fruity gazpacho was a deep red wine.)

Oh, it was a very good thing that Ignis knew Liliana had to be joking with that one, or else he would have some serious things to reconsider about the direction his life was going at the moment.

As it was, though, he honestly considered insisting that she follow through with that suggestion, but, no, he might be petty, but not so petty as to insult thus fine food and this excellent chef.

Hey, she had it on good authority that reds went with fruit-based foods.

...At least if they were from Argentina.

Stark was happy to try everything so tasting menus were an excellentoption. He wasn't good with wines but it was interesting seeing what paired best with what.

He'd also be happy to stay here for the night. It was very pretty.

As always, after the tasting, students are encouraged to explore the vineyards themselves, speak with the vitners and wine-makers, visit their shop. The usual.

And, yes, they do have many overnight accommodations...

Liliana trailed through the vineyard, idly munching on grapes. Perhaps she should buy a crate of reds to give to Olivia. The vampire adored wine and having a vintage no one else did would tickle her fancy. Mmm, perhaps after that geistmage of hers showed up...

"Isn't it beautiful here?" Nell said, because of course Nell was wandering through the vineyards.

"Well, it's certainly delicious," Liliana laughed. "But yes, and thick with mana, too. Nothing I can use, but it's a good sign the land here is thriving."

"If you like this you'll have to come to Soulwood with me sometime," Nell said. "I'm there quite often, so if you're interested I'd be happy to have you tag along."

He, personally, might be angling to slip away briefly just to speak with the head chef, honestly, and not just to hopefully get a good lead on where to get some good oysters and lamb to take home with him, as well.

Wine & Dine: Pairing Fine Food with Fine Wine in Fine Countries; Thursday, 4th Period [08/15].

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