Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wowed by Central Otago wine and food

Hundreds lined the roads around Amisfield Winery & Bistro this afternoon (Sunday April 13) to catch a glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge before the couple embarked on a food and wine extravaganza sampling the very best of Central Otago wine and food.

Enjoying a spectacularly beautiful Queenstown autumn day with crisp blue skies, the Royal couple smiled and waved to the crowd of around 100 invited guests lucky enough to be at Amisfield to see them arrive including families from Central Otago wineries.

Exiting the car at the foot of Amisfield’s stunning Central Otago schist steps, the young couple were greeted by a welcome party including Amisfield owner John Darby, chairwoman of Central Otago Pinot Noir Limited Lucie Lawrence and Central Otago Wine Growers Association president James Dicey.

Mr Darby officially welcomed the couple to Amisfield and provided an overview of the winery, its history and wine varietals.

“It was an exceptional privilege to welcome the Duke and Duchess to Amisfield and Central Otago on a day of celebration for our region’s wine and food industry,” he said.

“The Duke and Duchess certainly seem to know and appreciate wine and really enjoyed taking the time to speak with as many individual winemakers as possible and understanding the regional foods that were matched with each varietal.”

“I’d like to thank our Bistro staff and all the winemakers involved in this occasion -- the whole Amisfield team has been hard at work for weeks to ensure the perfect delivery of a world-class event on behalf of our region’s winegrowers.”

Central Otago Wine Growers Association president James Dicey and Alan Brady –fondly known as ‘the Godfather of wine’ – talked about the history of the region and explained why it is so unique.

The Duchess and Duke listened intently and asked questions about the Central Otago region, growing conditions, viticulture expertise and the role of the winemaker.

“They couple were very interested in the region and asked many informed questions which we were happy to answer,” said Mr Dicey.

Shortly after, the Royal couple ventured outside and spent some time walking through the Amisfield Lake Hayes vineyard soaking up the surrounding scenery.

Both the Duke and Duchess commented that it was great to be able to finally see the sun on their New Zealand visit.

The Royals then chatted with ease to Amisfield winemaker Dr Stephanie Lambert as they tasted the multi award-winning Pinot Noir 2010.

Mr Dicey and Mrs Lawrence escorted the Duke and Duchess separately around a marquee erected over the courtyard in which over 30 local wineries had the opportunity to showcase their wines.

The couple were introduced to winery industry members, winemakers and owners, while sampling their wines and seasonal local food.

The menu –designed specifically for the Royal couple – included some of the region’s most famed delicacies such as Bluff oysters, Stewart Island salmon, Fiordland venison, local cheeses and seasonal Central Otago fruit.

“His Highness clearly has an interest in quality wine, particularly Pinot Noir, and was very knowledgeable asking lots of questions.

“He was extremely amenable and a genuinely nice person, very easy to talk to,” said Mr Dicey.

“It’s certainly a day I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Mrs Lawrence spent some time with the Duchess talking about bringing up young children.

“The opportunities the Royal visit proffers for the Central Otago wine industry is huge. The eyes of the world were on Central Otago wine today and that’s something we as a region can be incredibly proud of,” said Mr Dicey.

“We are still a young wine growing region in a country at the far side of the world, yet we punch well above our weight in the wine world.

“To have this many media interested in and talking about Central Otago wine brings such huge benefit to the region now and in the future.”


CAPTION:  Royal couple's visit to Amisfield Winery & Bistro.