Stories of the nominees

Wine & Nature Magic at Cloudy Bay’s Floating Dinner

New Zealand

In spring 2025, Cloudy Bay winery introduced a unique gastronomic project called Wonderscape 2025. It was an exceptional dinner held on a floating table set directly on a lake, surrounded by vineyards in the Central Otago region of New Zealand. The event attracted food and wine lovers from around the world.

The Wine Travel Awards nominee and winner once again demonstrated its ability to surprise and delight guests at the winery.

Wonderscape 2025 was New Zealand’s first dining experience on water. The table, placed just a few centimeters above the lake’s surface, gave guests the feeling of literally “floating” in wine and nature. The entire space was designed by Australian designer Steve Cordoni, who used natural fabrics, local plants, and elements reflecting the natural beauty of Central Otago.

The menu was created by chef Tom Hishon and Cloudy Bay’s head chef Momo. The dishes featured fresh local products such as Central Otago peaches, Bluff oysters, and Wapiti venison from Fiordland. Each dish was paired perfectly with Cloudy Bay wines, including: Pelorus sparkling wine to start; bright and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc; rich and complex Te Koko; and deep, spicy Te Wāhi Pinot Noir.

For dessert, there was sheep’s milk ice cream with coffee cream and nut biscotti, served alongside Founders’ Cellar Northburn Rosé 2022.

The event had limited seating, and all tickets sold out in advance. For those who couldn’t attend, Cloudy Bay promises to continue hosting similar experiences in the future.

Stay connected with Wine Travel Awards:

Source: cloudybay.com, scoop.co.nz, harpersbazaar.com.au, fq.co.nz

Photo: harpersbazaar.com.au, esquire.com.au, gourmettraveller.com.au