The dining room was beautifully styled and the fire stoked as 24 guests arrived at Rowley Homestead for an evening of fine dining and Marlborough wine….a  mid winter truffle dégustation  matched with the stunning wines from Two Rivers.

Tickets were snapped up fairly quickly for this special mid winter occasion last Thursday evening; a collaboration between Marlborough’s own Karaka Cuisine and Two Rivers Wines.  The evening swung into gear from the get-go…… as living in a rural/wine community most guests knew each other which made for a lively, friendly and convivial evening.  It was a dinner party for friends, with friends!

Sander (private chef and owner of Karaka Cuisine) created a masterful menu that featured the earthy perigord black truffle in all five courses. The cuisine was  5 star restaurant quality and portions were spot on. A standout for me was the Jerusalem artichoke & celeriac veloute (soup) with truffle oil paired with Clos des Pierre Chardonnay 2017…sublime!

 

Truffle season is on right now…the winter months between June and August, and last week a handful of these rare delicacies were delivered to Sander direct from two North Canterbury growers; King Truffle and Tewnion Truffiere. Canterbury has ideal conditions for growing truffle trees; chalky/limestone soil, hot summers/ cold temperature winters and easy contour and terrain.  Both growers supply to top NZ restaurants and lodges, food connoisseurs as well as export.

The evening was a stellar success and much fun was had by all🥂