Cloudy Bay is redefining the art of entertaining once again with its most immersive Wonderscape experience yet—an exclusive floating dining experience in the breathtaking landscapes of Central Otago. Set atop an ‘invisible’ panel just inches above the water’s surface, this extraordinary setting invites guests to dine as though they are floating on water, surrounded by nature. And the location? Cloudy Bay’s Cellar Door.
Showcasing the best of Central Otago
Of course, aside from the feast for your eyes, there is also a feast for your stomach. With a seasonal menu created by renowned chef Tom Hishon and Cloudy Bay’s own Chef Momo, the pair draw from the region’s rich bounty with locally sourced and foraged ingredients that reflect the unique terroir of Central Otago.
“Our shared ambition when crafting the Wonderscape 2025 menu was to let the wines of Cloudy Bay speak for themselves,” says Hishon. “We curated the menu with a focus on local, foraged ingredients that enhance the wines’ unique qualities including Central Otago peaches, Bluff Oysters and Rakiura Tītī.”
And it goes without saying that each dish is carefully paired with Cloudy Bay’s award-winning wines, thoughtfully curated by Cloudy Bay Wine Director Nikolai St George. The experience begins with a glass of Pelorus, New Zealand’s premier sparkling wine, with a citrus-forward Sauvignon Blanc to follow, which offers a vibrant pairing for the entrée. Te Koko, with its rich layers of tropical fruit and toasted nuts, adds depth to the meal, while the bold, expressive Te Wahi Pinot Noir perfectly complements the main course. To finish, indulge in the very special Founders’ Cellar Northburn Vintage Rosé 2022 served with dessert of sheep’s milk icecream layered with coffee cream and hazelnut biscotti.
A masterpiece on water
Renowned interior stylist Steve Cordony from Australia has curated the tablescapes for Wonderscape 2025, blending organic textures and modern elegance. Inspired by the rugged beauty of Central Otago, Cordony incorporates soft neutral tones, handcrafted ceramics, and foraged greenery to create an intimate yet elevated setting. Every detail, from the linen to the tableware, is meticulously designed to complement the surrounding landscape, ensuring guests are fully immersed in the moment. Even the centerpiece rocks which stand in to hold the flowers have been sourced from the pond itself.
“For Wonderscape 2025, the design captures the essence of Central Otago’s natural landscape, blending the organic textures of pond ripples, the play of light representing the sun setting over the pond, and the rich foliage creating an atmosphere that enhances the connection between the land, the wine, and the dining experience,” says Cordony.
A celebration of nature and connection
Since its inception in 1985, Cloudy Bay has been a pioneer in New Zealand’s wine industry, setting the standard for elegance and craftsmanship. Wonderscape 2025 continues this legacy, offering a sensory journey that intertwines exceptional wine, exquisite food, and unparalleled design. At its core, Cloudy Bay Wonderscape is about the profound connection between nature, food, and wine. By placing guests in the heart of one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes, this exclusive event encapsulates the essence of luxurious, immersive dining.
This event is now sold out, but be sure to keep an eye out for future Wonderscape events. For your chance to win a Cloudy Bay dining experience, head to Fashion Quarterly’s Instagram account.
