Sips & Scrums Tour I: One Day, Five Stops, Endless Stories
Date: 19 July 2025
Match Result: New Zealand def. France 29 -19
Location: Auckland → Kumeu → Westbrook → Hamilton
As the morning sun rose over Auckland, a select group of wine lovers, rugby fans, and curious newcomers gathered for the very first Sips & Scrums Tour an experience that promised connection, culture, and a few surprises between every sip and scrum.
A Start Fit for a Legend
The inaugural Sips & Scrums Tour began with something truly special an immersive experience at Eden Park, New Zealand’s most iconic rugby ground. Guests entered through the same drop-off point used by All Blacks teams for decades, stepping into the historic tunnel lined with murals that honour the park’s legacy including the All Blacks’ remarkable 50-year unbeaten record there. The atmosphere built with every step, as we moved toward the changing rooms where a glass of champagne and a heartfelt blessing from Semisi’s father set the tone for the day ahead.
Inside the changing rooms, Semisi (The Wine Chief) presented each guest with a custom Premier Ligne gift bag, featuring a branded wine glass, lanyard pass, and a beautifully designed event booklet. Not just a schedule, the booklet included space for wine tasting notes, autographs from rugby and wine legends, and reflections from the day a keepsake to capture both the expected and the unexpected. As the group prepared to move through the players’ tunnel, Eden Park Experiences elevated the moment with a full sensory walk-out, complete with haka audio and crowd noise, creating goosebumps as guests imagined the pressure and pride of running out onto the field.
From there, we stepped onto the hallowed turf itself. Guests took in the scale of the stadium from the players’ perspective some recreated their own walkouts, others simply stood in awe, recognising the ground beneath their feet as the same one graced by rugby’s greatest moments. A visit to the coach’s box offered a behind-the-scenes view of strategy and pressure before the group returned to the changing rooms to collect their gifts. Then it was time to board our coach (thanks to Compass Coaches) and head to wine country with the roar of Eden Park still fresh in our minds
From Kumeu to Westbrook, Wines with a Story
Our first stop: Kumeu River Wines, where guests enjoyed a guided tasting of five wines including their world-renowned Chardonnay ‘Mate’s Vineyard’, New Zealand’s benchmark for elegance and balance.
Next, we travelled deeper into the West Auckland countryside to Westbrook Winery, where award-winning wines were savoured in a tranquil native bush setting. The pinot gris in particular stood out, bright, textured, and quietly complex.
A French-Inspired Lunch with a Twist
Back in Auckland, guests gathered around a couple of tables at Maison Vauron for a midday pause filled with charm, conversation, and curated flavour.
The charcuterie board, prepared in-house by the Maison Vauron team, delivered on tradition, but it wasn’t just the endless baguettes stealing attention. The true standout? A decadent chicken & duck parfait by L’Authentique, an Auckland-based French charcuterie artisan bringing authentic depth to every bite.
In keeping with the day’s theme, the team at Maison Vauron presented a clever and delicious wine showdown:
France vs New Zealand – Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir match-ups. Guests were guided through a comparative tasting that mirrored the anticipation of the Test Match to come, with each pour inviting discussion, debate, and discovery.
As the lunch wrapped, no one rushed for bottles — instead, they made a beeline for the Maison Vauron Café, grabbing quick espressos and sharing canelé, a caramelised Bordeaux classic, as we boarded the coach to Hamilton. A sweet and energising end to a perfectly pitched interlude.
Test Match Hospitality – A Fitting Finale
By late afternoon, we arrived at FMG Stadium Waikato, where the buzz for the 3rd Test Match was already in the air. Inside the Heritage Hospitality Lounge, guests were welcomed with a surprise official All Blacks merchandise waiting at each seat, setting the tone for a special evening ahead.
The experience included a three-course meal, a beautifully arranged cheese board, and a full drinks package, all enjoyed in excellent company. Throughout the evening, we were treated to insights from former All Blacks and French internationals, who shared reflections on the match-up and their own journeys in the game.
From the hospitality suite to the grandstand, the view of the game was outstanding. The match delivered on all fronts, with New Zealand defeating France 29 – 19, sealing a 3 – 0 series sweep. The quality on the field and the atmosphere in the stands were the perfect close to a day that began at Eden Park and finished in true Premier Ligne style.
Reflections on the Road
As we made our way back to Eden Park, the bus was filled with stories – new friendships formed, favourites discovered, and moments shared that went well beyond rugby or wine.
By 11:00 PM, we had come full circle. What started with a glass of champagne in a sacred changing room had ended with clinking glasses, tired smiles, and a quiet knowing that we’d been part of something truly special.
Final Thoughts
Sips & Scrums Tour I was about more than a test match. It was about discovering what happens when wine meets story, and story meets experience.
To those who joined us – thank you.
To those who missed out – the next one’s not far away.