LOUIS Champagne Bar

The place to be: LOUIS Champagne Bar

“We have a saying around here,” LOUIS Champagne Bar Owner Jason Whitelaw says.     “A party without champagne is just a meeting.” With twenty-five premium champagnes, delectable oysters and a menu specially designed to keep the party atmosphere going, LOUIS is where the cream of the crop will be celebrating this […]

Straight 8 Estate

An exceptional estate: Straight 8 Estate

When you mention Straight 8 Estate to someone, they usually respond with, “I have really been meaning to go there”.     Situated at 2321 Main South Road Burnham, Straight 8 Estate, named after their rare Railton Light Sports vintage car, owners James Shand and Mary Jamieson create some “seriously drinkable wine”. […]

Emma Chisholm

Forging a tourism career: Emma Chisholm

Emma Chisholm is continuing a strong tradition as the third generation of her family to forge a career in the Southern Lakes tourism industry – and she inherited her parents’ knack for thinking outside the square.     Having bought tour company Alpine Adventures last year, Emma and fiancé Lee Saunders recently […]

The Grape Debate image

The Grape Debate: There’s a battle brewing within the Central Otago wine industry

There’s a battle brewing within the Central Otago wine industry, but it’s for a good cause. And there shouldn’t be any ‘sour grapes’ at the end of it.     Following the success of similar events in Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough, the Colliers International Grape Debate comes to Southern Lakes this month. […]

Clicquot in the Snow

Winter’s Must-Attend: Clicquot in the Snow

This year’s Clicquot in the Snow in Queenstown from 2-5 August marks the 200th year since Madame Clicquot blended the world’s first rosé champagne and, to honour the special anniversary, long-time friend of the brand, designer Kathryn Wilson has designed a special edition rosé pink belt. To the delight of many Kathryn Wilson […]

Samantha Rose Flowers

The art of Flowers & Wine: Samantha Rose Flowers

On Friday 6 July, something a little special took place at Burnett Street. Number 179 Burnett Street, is occupied by Samantha Rose Flowers. Sam, as she is commonly known around the Mid Canterbury region, paired up with Charlie and Esma Hill from CharRees Vineyard and welcomed seven ladies into the store for Ashburton’s […]