Rare wines and unusual selection of celebrities at share a glass event

Wine lovers at Winetopia 2016.Photo/Supplied

An unusual assortment of local celebrities, including a politician, are due to attend a wine tasting event that starts this evening.

Sir John Kirwan, Greens candidate Chloe Swarbrick and musician Peter Urlich were among those scheduled to take part in the "share a glass" event at Winetopia.

Chloe Swarbrick was placed ninth on the Green Party candidate list ahead of this year's election.

Chloe Swarbrick, Green Party list candidate and wine-lover.Photo/Nick Reed

Event organisers were promising a wide variety of wine, including some kinds most wine drinkers would be unfamiliar with.

Master of Wine Emma Jenkins said unusual varieties such as Tempranillo and Verdelho would be available as well as more standard wines.

"Winetopia provides the chance to sample your favourites and try something new."

More than 350 varietals would be on offer at the R18 event, she added.

"It's rare to have such a wide range of wineries offering tastings of their best varietals under one roof."

There would also be food and beer available at the event at Shed 10 on Auckland's waterfront, according to the Winetopia website.

Sir John Kirwan. Photo/Jason Oxenham.

Kirwan's talk was planned for tonight. Urlich, Pardington, Swarbrick and Boh Runga were due to speak tomorrow.

Comedian Brendhan Lovegrove was chosen as MC for the event.

The event was held for the first time last year. Wine tasting classes were also scheduled for tonight and tomorrow.