Busy taste buds end day with bubbles

After a full-on weekend, it was time to re-group for more wine, a foreign film and some serious beer tasting as F.A.W.C. (Food and Wine Classic) reached day four.

The TOM Masterclass at Church Road Winery yesterday was a hit with those eager to learn more about their flagship label and its history.

Named after Tom McDonald, a wine industry pioneer in the 1940s, '50s and'60s, the distinctive TOM chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon merlot was sipped, swilled and savoured during an exclusive vertical tasting with Church Road senior wine maker Chris Scott.

Prestigious TOM wines were produced only in outstanding vintages and made using winemaking equipment imported from France.

The experience also included a private tour of Church Road's underground museum, detailing the history of Church Road as well as Mr McDonald's influence on the wine.

A bottle of TOM wine was included in the ticket price.

Across town it was time to taste something a little different at the Westshore Beach Inn's Crossing Bier Garden, where Nelson's Stoke Brewery rolled out a selection of craft beers.

Their event titled, Stoked to be Here, featured commentary about the 12 brews on offer and included a bite to eat to keep rumbling bellies at bay.

Meanwhile in Ahuriri, a French-themed film accompanied by complimentary canapes and a champagne cocktail was popular with food-loving film buffs, who got along to the Globe theatrette last night.

The event showcased a gastronomic comedy called Le Chef, which screened at the Berlin Film Festival last year.

"It sold out completely.

"People [came] along [and] had a little champagne cocktail and some French-inspired nibbles," general manager of Globe theatrette Lisa-Jane Easter said.

"It's really just a way to celebrate the festival and incorporate film.

"When we looked at the calibre of F.A.W.C. and the events, we wanted to work out a way in which we could be involved."

Today's events

Tickets still available

That's Mr Wagyu

Chef Kent Baddeley brings you a night of wonderful Wagyu in conjunction with Firstlight.

Kent has designed a six course menu to showcase the Wagyu at its very best. Enjoy this exclusive dinner menu with or without a wine match.

Tickets are $108 without wine or $192 with Hawke's Bay wine.

Seafood Odyssey at The Thirsty Whale Bar and Restaurant

Pull up a chair dockside and enjoy a seafood platter piled with whitebait and paua fritters, pan seared scallops, prawns and calamari. Accompanied by salsa, salads, dipping sauces and two glasses of Trinity Hill Sav Blanc.

Tickets are $70.

Use your ticket any time between 10am and 10pm on day of purchase, until Sunday 11.

Fine Wine and a Fiver at Breckenridge Lodge

Spend a night at Breckenridge Lodge for five courses, determined by your preferences and prepared by acclaimed chef, Malcolm Redmond. Wine matches from the lodge's cellar. Sit down to a four course breakfast the next day.

Bookings are $800.

Nightly until Saturday November 10.