It was cold, wet and windy — a typical Yorkshire summer’s day, you might say — but the sunshine burst through in the form of Rachel Hann, Senior Store Manager at Majestic Harrogate, whose bright, bubbly personality and curated collection of New Zealand wines brought us first a touch of spring and then a wave of summer warmth.

Our chairman for the evening, Paul, welcomed Rachel as she prepared to guide us through a comprehensive tour of New Zealand grapes and regions.

The welcome wine was immediately recognisable as a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (Rapoyara Springs). Fresh and fruity, it lifted our spirits straight away. The Riesling that followed (Main Divide, Pegasus Bay – £12.50) was in the Aussie style, with pronounced kerosene notes. A true Marmite wine, it split the room between “wonderful” and “never again”.

The Chardonnay (Rose & Rose, Marlborough – £10.50) was more familiar, showing vanilla tones from the 40% fermented in French oak, with malolactic fermentation softening the palate. Easy drinking, if not outstanding.

The final white was a surprise: an Albariño (Steve Bird, Gisborne – £13.50). For many of us, this was a new grape variety from New Zealand. Known as the most prestigious white from Galicia, this recent New Zealand arrival showed just how joyous the grape can be. With six months on lees and some lees stirring for added complexity, it was a beautifully balanced and genuinely delightful wine.

On to the reds, beginning of course with a Pinot Noir (Saint Clair Family Estate, Marlborough – £12.50). It delivered the high quality we’ve come to expect from New Zealand Pinot, with bright acidity and an approachable style — and at a very pocket‑friendly price compared to Burgundy.

The second Pinot Noir (Te Kairanga, Marlborough – £17) was fuller‑bodied, with 11 months in new French oak adding depth and complexity to justify the higher price. Many members expressed very positive views.

The final red was another surprise: a Syrah (Shed 503, Hawke’s Bay – £9.50). We expected Syrah to need warmer, sunnier conditions than most of New Zealand offers, but this wine showed how good producers in the right locations can make the grape truly sing. Hand‑picked and aged 15 months in oak, it was a star wine to finish on — sadly, no longer available.

Rachel gave us a wonderful evening, opening our eyes to the potential and diversity of New Zealand wines. Votes for the best wines of the night were split, but the Albariño was the clear favourite white, and the Syrah the standout red. Who could have predicted that our top choices would be two wines made from grapes we wouldn’t normally expect from New Zealand?

Rachel with the winning wine

The meal — mackerel pâté followed by lasagne al forno — was a fitting conclusion to the evening, sending us out into the cold wrapped up warm and reflecting on a memorable night of New Zealand wine.