| | PAIRING P opl & Plac Carrick's winemaker, Rosie Menzies, works with owners, Alison and Tony Cleland, to provide unforgettable experiences for their guests Nestled in the stunning Bannockburn region of Central Otago is Carrick Winery, an award-winning single-estate vineyard alongside the Kawarau River, where guardianship of land, dedication to quality, and a spirit of innovation merge to create a truly unique experience. Carrick Winery began in 1994, with the first vintage being released in 2000. The winery is the namesake of both the mountain range over which the estate looks, and its logo, which features a carrick bend. Known as ‘the sailor’s breastplate,’ a carrick bend is one of the strongest of knots used to join two heavy ropes together. For the winery, this knot symbolises the coming together of people and place. The natural resources of the land is fundamental to Carrick’s philosophy, and the picturesque old gold mining location lends itself to both relaxation and adventure, whether it’s cycling along the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail or simply enjoying a glass (or two) of wine on the terrace with stunning views. Carrick’s philosophy is simple: good wine is made with good grapes, good connection to the land, and of course, good people. Owners Alison and Tony Cleland have an established history in dairy farming in Southland, but have always had an affinity for the Otago region and its wines. They originally envisioned retirement in their Wānaka holiday home, where they planted over 400 chardonnay vines, but when the opportunity to take over Carrick presented itself in 2021, it was a no-brainer. Alison remembers the process being a whirlwind, as it all happened so seamlessly and quickly. Since then, they’ve worked alongside chief winemaker, Rosie Menzies, to run a thriving winery. Carrick now make 16 different wines, ranging from sparkling, sweet and dry whites to rosés and red. Rosie grew up in a farming family in Hawke’s Bay, loving the outdoors and working in nature. She got her first taste of winemaking as part of a high school project, and although the end product wasn’t exactly her finest vintage, it sparked an interest in pursuing a career in viticulture. Rosie learned her craft at Hawke’s Bay’s Lime Rock Wines, and their passion rubbed off on her, leading her to work in prominent wineries worldwide. There, she learned the influence of organic principles in wine production, before returning to New Zealand. Rosie joined Carrick Winery in 2018, and her first vintage with the winery as chief winemaker was in 2020. Rosie says wine has an ability to bring people together and facilitate joy, and when paired correctly with food, can elevate dishes to another level. “Wine has the ability to set an occasion. It brings life and happiness to people,” she believes. PAGE 32 | BIDFOOD – ON THE MENU
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