Stories of the nominees

The Art of a Festive Table: Inspiration from Cloudy Bay

New Zealand

As the festive season draws near, our thoughts turn to cherished traditions: gifts carefully chosen, feasts shared with loved ones, the warmth of companionship, and the joy of holiday travels. This year, the Wine Travel Awards (WTA) is delighted to spotlight one of our own – Cloudy Bay, a winner of the 2023-2024 campaign – whose creative approach to Christmas has inspired us all.

Cloudy Bay’s recent project, “The Art of Entertaining – The Festive Season,” is a masterclass in holiday inspiration. Through a series of short interviews with renowned personalities – Kate Spiers, Melissa Norton, Eugenia Diaz, and Steve Cordony – they bring to life the essence of Christmas. Their reflections transport you into the heart of the festive spirit, offering glimpses of what makes this season so special.

Cloudy Bay

From simple yet heartfelt ideas about what connects us all, to practical tips for creating unforgettable moments, these chefs and influencers share their secrets to holiday magic. Imagine the relaxed energy of a house filled with loved ones, the excitement of planning festive gatherings, and the joy of selecting favorite ingredients to prepare a Christmas feast. They speak of smells that evoke the holidays – freshly baked gingerbread cookies, mulled wine simmering on the stove – and the beauty of embracing fresh, seasonal produce to craft dishes that celebrate the season.

The interviews also take a playful turn, posing questions that spark creativity: Which celebrities would you invite to your Christmas table? How would you set the stage for an unforgettable meal? Their advice flows effortlessly – adorn the table with fresh flowers or greenery, group plates and platters together to create a lush, overflowing feel, and use vintage silverware, white stoneware, and timber boards to add texture and elegance. For those seeking a striking presentation, try creating height by turning over solid bowls to elevate certain dishes. It’s a reminder that even the smallest details can make a gathering feel extraordinary.

Cloudy Bay

And of course, no festive story is complete without wine. From carefully curated pairings to bold gastronomic combinations, their ideas remind us of the irreplaceable role wine plays in bringing people together. Whether it’s the sparkle of a glass raised in a toast, the perfect bottle to accompany a delicious dish, or simply the shared joy of savoring the moment, wine becomes a celebration in itself.

Reading these interviews feels like a warm embrace of the season. They remind us of what we treasure most during Christmas: laughter around a table, shared traditions, and moments that become memories. For anyone searching for inspiration, we highly recommend diving into Cloudy Bay’s “The Art of Entertaining – The Festive Season” series, where you’ll find wisdom, joy, and plenty of ideas to make your own holiday unforgettable. Explore their short interviews here:

P.S.: As we reflect on this season of joy, the WTA team extends our warmest birthday wishes to Mr. Yang Shen, Estate Director of Cloudy Bay Vineyards and esteemed WTA Judge. May this special day be filled with celebration, joy, and the recognition of his unwavering commitment to excellence and creativity.

And to all our readers, we wish you a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and, of course, exceptional wine. May the New Year bring new adventures, cherished memories, and glasses raised in celebration.

Here’s to 2025!

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Photo: cloudybay.com