When it comes to charity, many people react to donating at times of crisis to organisations such as the Red Cross saving starving children or working in war torn countries. However, there are many other compelling causes and Room to Read is one of them. It is the next step to helping the less-fortunate children and developing countries gain access to books and education, helping the poor to educate themselves and working towards a sustainable future.
As a writer I am obviously sympathetic to this cause moreover, I tend to focus my charity work on children, being a father my empathy towards children’s health and education is paramount and ever-present in my mind are those less fortunate than my own daughter. I have donated a lot to be auctioned live by Christie’s at Room to Read Hong Kong Gala Charity Dinner, which I am told is the feature of the auction, valued at opening bid of HK$150,000.
I am hoping it will go for much more as this is a very rare opportunity to get “up close and personal” with some of the New Zealand’s most revered winemakers, in one of the most stunning wine regions in the world, and of course in the company of the Wandering Palate. It needs to be said that the generosity and willingness of the participating Central Otago vineyards was a great motivator in bringing this unique experience together.
If you would like to attend the dinner, details are on the website, also please consider making a donation or forming a group activity to raise funds www.roomtoread.org
A unique vintage encounter with celebrity artisan winemakers in the World’s most stunning and exciting wine region, Central Otago, New Zealand
Wine, food and travel writer, Curtis Marsh – The Wandering Palate - will take you on an enlightening fully-guided week-long tour for up to six people visiting eight of Central Otago’s top artisan vineyards during vintage encompassing rare ‘up close and personal’ encounters with some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed pinot noir winemakers.
Exceeding any cellar door experience, you will enjoy genuine, personal vineyard hospitality with the proprietors of each vineyard entertaining the group for lunch/dinner and sharing their experiences of running a boutique vineyard moreover, rolling up your sleeves to participate in the vintage.
Central Otago, in the deep south of New Zealand, is the most southerly and stunningly beautiful wine region in the world. Totally surrounded by mountains that give the vineyards a picturesque backdrop, much of the film Lord of the Rings was shot here with its breathtaking precipices, glacier-tortured plateaus, chasmic river valleys and vast shingle beds. The tour will take much of this spectacular scenery and surrounding wilderness and also the history of the 1860s gold rush.
Accommodation for 6 people will be provided at Northburn Station, a 12,000 hectare high country merino sheep station in the heart of Central Otago, surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped mountains, overlooking the picturesque Lake Dunstan.
A unique and invaluable holiday experience for the wine enthusiast and sightseer alike taking in the most pristine environment, unspoiled wilderness in the world.
Participating Vineyards:
Bald Hills, Chard Farm, Felton Road, Misha’s Vineyard, Mount Edwards, Northburn Station, Rockburn and Two Paddocks
Valid for 2010 or 2011 vintage – approximate date mid-April
