Mike Kirkpatrick and Stoneleigh Wild Valley

Had a unique challenge over winter, being the guide for celebrity chef Sean Connolly and tasked with getting a fish to the bank in a few hours. Quite cool to see the huge pro filming crew at work, the Drone guy in particular, and felt like being on the set of Entourage! Sean hadn't fished before so added to the challenge and being in the heart of winter nothing hit our trolled lures. Had a half hour at the end at the lake edge and actually found one rising. Duly hooked first cast and the hook pulled! Was a cool experience meeting the folks from Stoneleigh wines and Sean was a good sport. Sorta prefer summer.

"Winemaker, Jamie Marfell, awaits with a glass of new Wild Valley Sauvignon Blanc in hand. He’s soon joined at Stoneleigh Vineyard by chef and restaurateur Sean Connolly, to chat about his first Wild Valley challenge. While savouring the smooth finish of the wild-fermented wine, Jamie tasks Sean to find the ideal complement to the wine's pronounced citrus and stone fruit flavours. Eager to meet Jamie's challenge, Sean heads south-west on a journey to lake Rotoroa in the Nelson Lakes National Park of New Zealand’s South Island – to find the perfect match for the wine."