If one ever needed an excuse to drink Champagne, this is it - Global Champagne Day. And, being in New Zealand, if you popped a bottle for breakfast you were probably one of the first in the world to take part in this quite fabulous of celebrations. What we love most about Champagne, is it should never be drunk alone. So gather your nearest and dearest, and make the most of the day at these spots.
1. SPQR
A table on the pavement outside this iconic Ponsonby establishment, is the perfect place to swill the good stuff and watch the world go by.
2. The Langham Auckland
The high-tea served in the hotel's elegant Palm Court is a wonderful treat for all ages. Nothing beats a cucumber sandwich, Wedgewood china and a glass or two of Champagne.
3. Soul Bar & Bistro
For a long lunch with the Champagne flowing - this is your destination. The tables are filled with a healthy mix of business types and the elegant ladies-who-lunch set. Time is not an issue here, settle in and make the most of lively atmosphere, delicious food and professional wait-staff who know to keep the ice bucket filled.
4. The Oyster Inn
Grab a table high up on the balcony of this Waiheke favourite, with a platter of the freshest of oysters, and toast how lucky you are to be looking out over the glistening waters of Oneroa bay, far from the madding crowds.
5. Antoine's
Done your shoulder pads and pearls and ring the doorbell at this Parnell establishment. Quaffing Champagne here has been a time honoured tradition since the 80s.
6. Cibo
Another Parnell favourite is the always fabulous Cibo. Here the tinkle of glasses and laughter fills the atrium of the Nestle building. Another place where lunchtime gatherings can roll well into the evening.
7. Clooney
This place oozes swank and elegance with its dark and sexy interior. Slip into one of the private booths and order up a Champagne cocktail to get the evening started.
8. The Sugar Club
This is another top-notch venue where you don't need a bottle of Champagne to make you feel on top of the world, although it will heigthen the experience. Day or night, The Sugar Club is a winner.
9. Rockefeller Champagne & Oyster Bar
Looking for a mid-afternoon escape from the office? With the sun pouring through the window, some old-school tunes on the decks, a tasty seafood platter and a bottle of the good stuff, will move going back to work way down the priority list.
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Advertise with NZME.10. The Seafarers Club
Okay, so you have to be a member of this private Britmart club, but on a sunny afternoon there is nowhere better than their rooftop bar with views out of waterfront. If you're not a member, a few floors down there's Ostro with a similar view or their terrace above Tyler St.
Countdown to the Melbourne Cup With Mumm Champagne
As the official Champagne of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, Maison Mumm is setting the scene trackside with a Club de la Plage marquee designed to feel like the iconic beach clubs in the South of France which are renowned for their daytime party vibes. Over the four days it is expected 12,000 bottles of Mumm Champagne will be consumed - that's approximately 75,000 glasses. A selection of champagne cocktails will also be served to guests including the hottest drink of summer frose (frozen rose).
Masion Mumm has also custom-produced three 12-litre Balthalzar of Mumm Rose - the largest ever created for this Chamapagne and these will be flown in especially from Reims, France, for the event. With Maison Mumm the official Champagne for Auckland Cup Week in March, it’s exciting to know this is a brand that takes celebrating in style seriously.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday November 1 when the horses line up for the most glamorous race in Australasia, the Melbourne Cup, there will be parties and events all over Auckland. Go in the draw to win a double pass to join in the fun with Mumm at Ponsonby's Longroom.
Mumm's top tips on serving Champagne:
Temperature: Although Champagne should be chilled, colder is not always better. Aim to serve Mumm Cordon Rouge at around 8°C for optimal enjoyment (good to have an ice bucket on hand to keep chilled while you're enjoying it with friends).
How to fill a Champagne flute? The classic beginner's mistake is hoping to fill the flute in one go. To avoid spillage, it is better to opt to serve in two phases. The trick is to pour an initial amount of wine, slowly tilting the glass – the flow along the wall will promote the formation of bubbles. Keeping your guest entertained to avoid them becoming impatient, take a pause to allow the foam to subside, then pour a second time to fill half (or two thirds) of the glass. The flavours will thus be concentrated and the bubbles able to express themselves freely.
