Tastings

Vino Fino runs weekly wine tastings most Tuesdays at 6.00 pm at our Christchurch store on Durham Street.

These informal tastings cover a variety of themes and include visiting winemakers, special focus tastings highlighting a varietal or new arrivals.

All you need is to be able to enjoy wine!

Bookings (email or in person – sorry not online) are required for these – Credit card details required at the time of booking, with payment on the night.

Please advise if not attending as we usually have a waiting list.

Note we accept cancellations up until 5pm the day before the tasting, otherwise, the card will be charged for any “no shows” Thank you.

Date: Tuesday 10th June 2025
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Cost: $25
Where: Vino Fino, 188 Durham St
Bookings: Please email wine@vinofino.co.nz or Phone 03 3655134

Wirra Wirra is a long-standing name in McLaren Vale, Australia, known for producing high-quality, great-value wines. Following the passing of founder Greg Trott, and under new ownership, the winery has entered an exciting new chapter—one focused on elevating Wirra Wirra into the ranks of Australia’s iconic fine wine producers.

That vision is already taking shape, led by acclaimed winemaker Emma Wood—formerly Head Red Winemaker at Penfolds—and supported by a strong commitment to biodynamic and organic vineyard practices. At the forefront of this transformation is viticulturist Anton Groffen, who will host this tasting.

Anton, a two-time recipient of Australia’s “Young Gun of Wine – Viticulturist/Vineyard of the Year” award, brings deep passion for organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture—alongside an enduring love of surfing.

This is a rare chance to gain insight into Wirra Wirra’s bold new direction through the lens of its cutting-edge viticulture.

Tonight, as well as tasting familiar names such as the Church Block range, the premium RSW Shiraz and Vintage Bell Cabernet there will be a preview of some wines not previously seen in New Zealand. One (very good) Chardonnay – the rest of the tasting will be red wines.

Date: Tuesday 17th June 2025
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Cost: $30
Where: Vino Fino, 188 Durham St
Bookings: Please email wine@vinofino.co.nz or Phone 03 3655134

Founded in 1997 in Hawke’s Bay by husband-and-wife team Warren Gibson and Lorraine Leheny, Bilancia has grown from a small boutique label into one of New Zealand’s most respected wine producers. The name Bilancia—Italian for “balance”—reflects both their shared star sign (Libra) and their winemaking philosophy of harmony and precision.

Since 2002, their Syrah-based flagship wine La Collina—meaning “the little hill” in Italian, named after the vineyard—has become a benchmark for New Zealand Syrah and a true icon of the region.

This tasting offers a rare and unmissable opportunity to explore the full range of Bilancia wines alongside Warren Gibson himself—renowned winemaker, respected wine judge, and also Chief Winemaker at Trinity Hill.

Wines we will be tasting on the night… Chardonnay 2023 $35 | Kaikora Chardonnay 2023 $60 | Trelinnoe Chardonnay 2022 $60 | Tiratore Chardonnay 2018 $75 | Uvaggio Field Blend (white) 2021 $75 | Syrah 2024 $35 | Trelinnoe Syrah 2020 $100 | La Collina Syrah 2020 $150

Some very special wines!