QT Auckland’s Esther restaurant is twisting the cork on the ordinary wine dinner, launching Crushed Grapes – a dinner series where fresh flavours of the Med collide with boutique bottles from New Zealand’s best boutique winemakers.

Each night, game-changing winemakers are bringing their limited releases to Esther’s doors to perfectly pair with unique menus carefully curated by Creative Director of Food & Beverage Sean Connolly and Executive Chef James Laird.

Lorraine Leheny and Warren Gibson of Bilancia kick off the series on May 15 with carefully selected drops and a feast to match, inspired by all things Italian. Bilancia (be-larn-cha) means balance, equilibrium and harmony in Italian, something that is carried through all aspects of their winemaking. 

Founded in 1997, Bilancia is a small Hawke’s Bay producer of exquisite wines, and Lorraine and Warren are bringing their finest – an Uvaggio, a Chardonnay and a Syrah – to pair with dishes fresh from the Esther kitchen. Think garlic rosemary pizettas, beef carpaccio, Kingfish crudo and potato mint ravioli with burnt sage butter, inspired by European adventures and designed to dance with the Bilancia drops.

Sitting down and dining with friends, both old and new, is something Lorraine is particularly excited about – especially when it comes to a great food and wine match. “It is always great to find that ‘perfect’ match for your wine; when you can’t decide if you should have another sip of wine or have another bite of food. That’s the goal!”

Bilancia has been a cornerstone of the Esther wine list and Chef Sean Connolly is thrilled to have the team in the restaurant for an intimate gathering, giving guests a unique insight into Bilancia’s ethos, process and tales from the vines. “I am beyond excited to invite these amazing winemakers into our kitchen to share a special night with guests.”

Guests can expect a cosy gathering, with Sean, Lorraine and Warren all sharing tales of food, wine, travel and life, alongside a three-course dinner with wine matches.

All guests will leave with a foodie-inspired momento, but those with a strong nose will be in for the real treat; the evening will feature a ‘guess the glass’ quest, where palates sensitive to the variety and vintage year have the chance to bag a $50 Esther voucher for their talents.

Tickets are $129 per person, which includes a 3-course menu, wine pairing and a welcome glass on arrival.

Book here to secure your evening of intrigue on Thursday May 15.