An Evening of Truffle

MT DIFFICULTY, BANNOCKBURN
SATURDAY 18 JULY 2026, 6PM

Join us for an intimate evening at Mt Difficulty  featuring our Winemaker Greg Lane and Head Chef Stacia Andani for a refined four-course dining experience celebrating the best of Central Otago’s truffle season.

Showcasing premium truffle from Black Quail Estate enhancing a menu of local delicacies alongside a selection of our finest Mt Difficulty library wines. The evening has been thoughtfully curated to highlight the beauty of seasonal New Zealand produce with a delicate and refined approach.

$250 per person for bubbles on arrival, four-course dinner and matched wines.

Bookings essential, limited seats available.

Martinborough Vineyard Truffle Dinner

THE RUNHOLDER, MARTINBOROUGH | FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 2026, 6PM

Join us at The Runholder on Friday 7 August from 6pm for an indulgent Martinborough Vineyard Truffle Dinner, part of the Pour & Explore Martinborough series this winter.

This meticulously curated four-course menu by The Runholder chefs is elevated with Martinborough Truffles throughout, bringing richness, depth, and seasonal luxury to every plate, complemented with perfectly paired Martinborough Vineyard wines.

Hosted by Martinborough Vineyard winemaker Tom Turner alongside Al and Nicola Richardson of Martinborough Truffles, the evening offers a rare insight into two of the region’s most celebrated crafts, with the truffle hunting dogs even making a special appearance.

$140 per person (payable on the evening) includes a four-course truffle-inspired menu paired with Martinborough Vineyard wines.

Classical By Candlelight Dinner

THE RUNHOLDER, MARTINBOROUGH | FRIDAY 14 AUGUST 2026, 6PM

Candlelight is the only way to experience centuries-old music properly, and The Night Watch, Wellington's premier early music ensemble, know this. So for one night only, in collaboration with National Candles, in a concert steeped in candlelight, this is your chance to go back in time. Keep your phones pocketed and let the modern world recede for a few hours.

Bringing together Australasia's top specialists in early music, The Night Watch perform on period instruments: harpsichord, viola da gamba, and others from a tradition that predates the modern orchestra entirely. The evening features countertenor Austin Haynes and soprano Carleen Ebbs, two of New Zealand's top vocalists. Heard live in a candlelit room, you'll experience this music beyond anything a recording could do. The candles themselves are courtesy of National Candles, one of New Zealand's oldest candle makers, handcrafting their wares for over half a century.

Enjoy a three-course family-style menu built for sharing and unhurried conversation. The food is warm and generous: rich winter flavours.

$120 per person (payable on the evening) includes concert, a welcome drink on arrival and three course dinner. Additional drinks are available to purchase on the night.

This event is part of Visa Wellington on a Plate. Buy tickets via www.visawoap.com

Te Kairanga Winemakers Dinner

THE RUNHOLDER, MARTINBOROUGH | FRIDAY 21 AUGUST 2026, 6PM

Join us at The Runholder on Friday 21 August for an exclusive Te Kairanga Winemakers Dinner, part of the Pour & Explore Martinborough series this winter.  

Te Kairanga winemakers John Kavanagh and Martin Bell have carefully curated an exceptional wine selection to accompany a four-course menu, including the yet-to-be released 2025 vintages of Te Kairanga John Martin and Te Kairanga Runholder Pinot Noirs, alongside rare library wines. Thoughtfully designed in collaboration with The Runholder chefs, the menu showcases fresh local fish, prime cuts, and decadent sweets, each course crafted to complement and celebrate the character of the wines.

Te Kairanga holds a significant place in Martinborough’s winemaking history, with vines planted on land once owned by the town’s founder, John Martin. Each wine match will be presented by the winemakers themselves, sharing with guests their passion and the stories behind each bottle, for a deeper look into what makes their craft so special.

$120 per person (payable on the evening) includes a four-course dinner with four matched Te Kairanga wines.

Lighthouse Gin Distillery Tour & Cocktail Masterclass

THE RUNHOLDER, MARTINBOROUGH | FRIDAY 28 AUGUST 2026, 5.30PM

Join Lighthouse Gin Head Distiller Rachel Hall at The Runholder on Friday 28th August from 5.30pm for an immersive Gin Distillery Tour & Cocktail Masterclass, part of this winter’s Pour & Explore Martinborough series. 

As New Zealand’s first female Head Distiller, Rachel Hall has been handcrafting Lighthouse Gin since 2014, earning a reputation for creating remarkably clean, smooth, citrusy gin true to its London Dry style.

Begin the evening with a guided tasting in The Runholder tasting room, discovering Lighthouse Gin Original, Navy Strength and Barrel Aged Gin, before stepping behind the scenes for an exclusive distillery tour with Rachel herself. Then settle in with generous antipasti platters as Rachel leads a hands-on cocktail masterclass, teaching you how to shake, stir, and create three signature gin cocktails. 

Guests will also take home a cocktail-making kit and a 200ml bottle of Lighthouse Gin Original to continue the experience at home.

$95 per person includes a guided gin tasting, distillery tour, platters, cocktail masterclass, and to take home - a cocktail-making kit and 200ml bottle of Lighthouse Gin Original.

Toast Martinborough

THE RUNHOLDER, MARTINBOROUGH | SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2026

Experience the new era of Toast, iconic and much-loved wine festival among the vines, now hosted exclusively at The Runholder, bringing together some of our favourite wineries, makers, performers and culinary talent for one unforgettable day.

Perch on the hillside by the vines or settle in beneath the trees as you sip your way through fine wines, small-batch gin and local beer, and indulge in a sophisticated food offering designed to elevate the tasting experience.

We’re honoured to welcome on stage Sir Dave Dobbyn performing his legendary singalongs and timeless Kiwi anthems, supported by The BeatGirls, Sweet Mix Kids and DJ Takas bringing the energy with their dancefloor hits.

Marking the start of summer, this is the perfect occasion to gather your friends, whether a weekend escape to wine country, a special celebration, or simply an afternoon of nostalgia and great music, Toast Martinborough is where it all comes together.

General Admission $123 + iTICKET fees
VIP Experience $549 + iTICKET fees [SOLD OUT]

90% tickets already sold - secure yours now via iTICKET.