Renewed vibrancy in hospitality across the motu
As timing goes, the inaugural Michelin Guide New Zealand 2026 awards could barely have been better. Like almost every industry across the motu right now, it's been tough for wine. There are many factors coinciding to place pressure on wine at a time when its quality has never been better. Two of those pressures are rising costs of living and rising unemployment figures across Aotearoa.
The arrival of the Michelin Guide to this country has been met with cynicism in some quarters but it's also resulted in much needed lift in consumer spending on eating out - and given the hospitality sector an enormous shot in the proverbial arm. What is the relevance of an old French institution to a country at the south of the globe? And is it defensible for the Government to spend $6.3 million on what is seen by some as a 'luxury subsidy' for Michelin's arrival in New Zealand as an investment in tourism when the cost of living crisis seems to be spiralling out of control. The answer is an uneasy one, given the unprecedented numbers flocking to food banks.
Looking at Michelin's arrival under a favourable spotlight, it is bringing business to some of the best restaurants in the country, in some cases where owners have been paring back and are now able to expand their range of wine and food again. And restaurant owners such as Steve Logan of Logan Brown in Wellington is thrilled to have won one Michelin star as it boosts the morale of all staff - and the numbers coming through the door. New Zealanders in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown have engaged more strongly with the country's food and wine offerings, travelling to experience the Michelin Star winners and spending more.
Hospitality regaining confidence aligns with a wine industry hitting its stride with some exceptional new releases from vintages that are superlative and the Michelin awards to bring something tangible to hold onto. Regardless of whether we all endorse Michelin is another question. Right now, the timing of its arrival in Aotearoa has been extremely helpful for the hospitality industry in a country struggling on many fronts.
For those keen to experience some of the great new releases from top New Zealand wineries, head to Onslow, the French Café and Gilt Brasserie in Auckland to try new 2024 Ata Rangi Pinot Noirs by the glass while you can. Carpe diem.
More on Ata Rangi in my next column as well as the official release of this year’s 2024 Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection and my take on the state of the nation when it comes to Chardonnay in Aotearoa.
Pictured: Mahi vineyard in Marlborough - producers of top Chardonnay from the largest wine region in Aotearoa.
