Now that she stepped down as Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern had time to get married to her longtime partner Clarke Gayford. They had their festivities earlier this year at Craggy Range, a gorgeous vineyard I visited when I was in NZ. They only produces wines from a single vineyard, which is sort of ironic for a wedding!

New Zealand is mostly known for its hyper-pungent Sauvignon Blancs, filled with puckering grapefruit and — often for me — asparagus or green grassy notes. But many, including grapefriend, will argue that their Pinot Noirs are the better varietal there, with much more savory and restrained versions than you’ll find in other parts of the world where it’s produced.

Jacinda reportedly served Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough Te Muna 2023 ($30) and, surprisingly, Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Hawkes Bay 2020 ($33), a Merlot- and Cabernet-based red blend which isn’t as common in New Zealand. Out of Craggy Range’s wines, I actually prefer the Pinot Noir Te Muna Road Vineyard ($55) which has more depth with brambly plum and earthiness, but looks like she was trying to stay in line with this month’s theme with $30-ish price tags!

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