Crushed Grapes: Esther & Dish tempt with a Taste of Burgundy
The debut event in Esther Restaurant’s 2026 Crushed Grapes lineup, in partnership with dish, takes the series international. Consider this your first-class ticket to the famous French wine region of Burgundy.
Twisting the cork on the ordinary wine dinners, Crushed Grapes brings unfiltered tales from the vines to Esther. A curated wine dinner series where fresh flavours of the Med collide with boutique bottles from iconic vineyards, Esther and dish are setting the bar high with the first event, A Taste of Burgundy on March 19, alongside Maison Louis Latour.
The evening promises a journey to the rolling vineyards of Burgundy, where mist clings to the vines and cellars run deep. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Chablis reign supreme, shaped by the land itself and elevating the region to icon status in the winemaking world.
Maison Louis Latour will be the star of the show, offering a taste of some of Burgundy’s hidden gems. Independent and family-owned since 1797, the brand has the largest holding of Grand Cru vineyards in the Côte d'Or and is synonymous with Burgundy and quality.
Sit back and let Burgundy do the talking as Chef Sean Conolly,dish editor Sarah Tuck and Louis Latour wine ambassadors hold court, spilling secrets and telling tales over a glass of wine on arrival. Crushed Grapes’ famous mystery pour wine tasting challenge will also return, separating the Chardonnay-savvy from the Chablis-curious.
The sommeliers will pair expressive pours with a three-course French feasting menu dreamed up by Chef Sean Connolly. Rooted in richness and indulgence, expect French classics like escargot and beef bourguignon for a totally immersive evening.
From the storied slopes of Burgundy to the cosy open kitchen of Esther; expect intimate conversation, vinous secrets and generous pours to match. The table is set for a fruitful night with fellow vinophiles.
"Esther’s Crushed Grapes Series provides a unique opportunity to sample wines from both the mediterranean and closer to home in New Zealand. In chic surroundings, with sensational food and a little banter from me, Esther Creative Culinary Director, Sean Connolly and Louis Latour wine ambassadors - it will be an evening to relish." - Sarah Tuck, Editor and CEO, dish
Taste of Burgundy
19 March, 6-9pm
$149pp
Book here
latest issue:
126
We start by sharing what’s on the dish team’s radar, what we’re watching, listening to and reading. Harry Butterfield puts a twist on his Nonna’s agnolotti, Malissa Fedele reminds us of the importance of fibre, and Phoebe Holden fulfils a long-held dream, sitting down with Yotam Ottolenghi. Autumn is an abundant time, we make the most with pumpkin, kūmara, cabbage, cauliflower, feijoas, apples and pears. We’re dishing up dinners for two, including a Chicken Dumpling Lasagne, alongside easy weeknight meals. We honour our mums, revisit timeless classics, and add a little baking challenge. This issue, we encourage you to slow down, to enjoy writing your shopping list, and spending time in the kitchen. Because even when life feels relentless, there’s always space to share something delicious.