The Marlborough Lodge will host Australia’s own godfather of French cuisine, Damien Pignolet, for the first of their Winter Food Series Weekends happening in July
Culinary godfather, chef Damien Pignolet,will join one of New Zealand’s newest luxury properties, The Marlborough Lodge, for two weekends of gourmet food and wine, this winter. Taking place on two weekends – Friday 6 to Monday 9 July and Friday 13 to Monday 16 July – the Winter Food Series Weekend will give guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s largest wine region as well as indulge in a weekend at Marlborough’s only luxury, country estate.
Chef Pignolet has been the pioneering force behind 11 successful venues in Australia and redefined gastro pub food at the helm of Bistro Moncur at The Woollahra Hotel. A passionate proponent of local produce, he’ll be the first of The Marlborough Lodge’s international chef partners for its upcoming Winter Food Series Weekends.
The lodge’s three-night package includes a gourmet dinner curated by Damien as well as two additional à la carte dinners, breakfast daily, a cycling tour of the local vineyards to meet local winemakers, and a half-day cruise of the majestic Marlborough Sounds.
The local produce of the region will be showcased over the weekend by Chef Pignolet at his gourmet, French-inspired dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, Harvest, on Saturday night, which will be paired with some of the best wines from Marlborough. On Friday and Sunday night, Harvest’s recently appointed Head Chef Sam Webb (formerly of Stoke Bar & Kitchen, Melbourne; Gills Diner, Melbourne; The Works, Gisborne, NZ) will take the reins in the kitchen, presenting a three-course à la carte dinner. In addition, Damien will host an intimate cooking masterclass on Wednesday 11 July, which is open to lodge guests, locals and visitors to the region.
Nestled in the heart of the Marlborough vineyards gardens, The Marlborough Lodge, a converted convent from 1901, opened its doors in October 2016 before completing the final phase of renovations late last year. The finished product is a luxurious yet cozy accommodation consisting of 10 contemporary suites and a restaurant. Sitting amid 16 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, The Marlborough Lodge grounds have more than 300 trees and 800 shrubs, an orchard, kitchen garden, picturesque creek as well as a striking wall of lavender that frames the lodge itself.