The New Zealand Vegan Society hosted its first Vegan Cheese and Wine Pairing Event on August 10, setting a new standard for gastronomic exploration, by introducing the world of plant-based cheeses to the art of wine pairing.
Held at Auckland’s vibrant Kind Cafe in Morningside, attendees were treated to a combination of flavours, history, and education.
The spotlight focussed on the winners of the Vegan Cheese Awards with an array of cheeses, each boasting distinctive characteristics, meticulously matched with a selection of wines that complemented and enhanced their flavours. Sonntag ‘Cumin Gouda” won the supreme award.
The presence of Gilmour’s, who sponsored a variety of wines, added an extra layer of sophistication to the event.
Chef Jasbir Kaur guided guests through the intricacies of flavour profiles, textures, and aromas. Attendees were encouraged to engage their senses, drawing connections between the complexities of vegan cheese and the nuanced notes of wine.
It was an experience that not only indulged the palate but also enriched the mind. Chef Kaur, renowned for her innovative approach to plant-based cuisine, curated a menu that paired award-winning vegan cheeses with a selection of wines, resulting in a harmonious marriage of tastes and aromas.
“With an impressive line-up of nine cheeses, seven wines, and a non-alcoholic wine option, the event catered to a diverse audience, transcending dietary preferences, and celebrating culinary artistry,”
As the culinary landscape in New Zealand continues to evolve, events like these not only tantalize the taste buds but also challenge conventional norms, encouraging us all to explore the uncharted territories of flavours, textures, and aromas. The Vegan Cheese and Wine Pairing Event stands as a testament to innovation, collaboration, and the power of culinary curiosity, inviting us all to savour the art of plant-based dining.
Vegan Cheese Award Winners 2023
Supreme Winner
Sonntag ‘Cumin Gouda Style’
Commercial Cheddar
Winner: Epic ‘Smoked Cheddar’
Runner Up: Angel Food ‘Smoked Cheddar’
Flavoured Cheese
Winner: Savour ‘Chipotle’
Joint Runners Up:-
Savour ‘Ash’
Savour ‘Mint’
Mozzarella
Winner: Nu Dairy
Runner Up: Zenzo
Surface Ripened
Winner: Savour ‘Cashbert’
Runner Up: Let Them Eat Vegan; ‘Creamy Camembert’
Feta
Winner: Zenzo
Runner Up: One Love Planet ‘The Greek’
Cream Cheese
Winner: Grater Goods ‘Garlic and Herb’.
Angel Food ‘Cream Cheese’
Nu Dairy ‘Cream Cheese’
Soft Cheese
Winner: Savour ‘Chipotle’
Runner Up: High Culture ‘Buche Provençal Garlic and Fine Herb’
Gouda
Winner: Sonntag ‘Cumin Gouda Style’
Runner Up: One Love Planet ‘Smoked Gaudi’
Artisan Cheddar
Winner: One Love Planet “Drunken Irish Cheddar”
No Runner Up
