UPCOMING EVENTS AT TONIC BISTRO
What's coming up at Tonic? Keep an eye on this page for upcoming events. From tastings and wine pairings to authors and historians, we love to team up with brewers, distillers, makers and scholars from Martinborough, the Wairarapa and around New Zealand.
The Secret Life Of Bats
Wednesday, 29 October, 6PM
Its spooky season but we think there is a lot to love about the dark, bats included!
These flying mammals are the superheroes of the night sky and Monique Leerschool is going to share why on an evening to bust myths and learn more about long tailed bats and work in the wider Mangatarere catchment area to monitor and protect them.
Come along, enjoy a themed drink and explore the mysterious word of long tailed bats.
Taste of Wairarapa: Meet the Dublin St. Makers
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1 November & 8 November, 2-4PM
Taste of Wairarapa brings together boutique wineries, artisanal food producers, and the vibrant spirit of our region for a series of unforgettable events.
Grab a table and some tapas in the sun at Tonic Bistro and meet the makers from Dublin St., Eva & Ross. A great way to enjoy the prime corner of Martinborough on the weekend and learn about this hard working duo and their award winning wines.
PAST EVENTS
Cocktail Masterclass
SATURDAY 16 AUGUST 4:30PM
A great introduction to how to make magic behind the bar. Michael, owner and bartender at Tonic, loves two things in equal measure (pun intended) – cocktails and history. He’ll offer up some of each in this class. Shaken or stirred? Olive or with a twist? How did a wine blight in Europe help create one of the world’s best-known cocktails? And just who, or what, was Harvey Wallbanger? He’ll get back to the roots of some of our favourite drinks and help you make three of your own.
Saluti e baci! A Taste of Sicily
THURSDAY 21 AUGUST 6:30PM
An evening of Sicilian wine and tapas with Tonic and Lucas Monge of Del Mundo Imports. Since 1851, five generations of the Rallo family have produced some of Sicily’s finest wines at their Donnfugata winery. In recent years they have innovated winemaking and sustainability practices on the island while showcasing traditional varietals such as Nero D’Avola, Grillo and Zebibbo. Join Tonic and Del Mundo’s Lucas Monge for an exploration of Sicily via wine and antipasti/dessert pairings. $130pp.
Humanities Happy Hour with Author Carl Shuker
THURSDAY 28 AUGUST 6:30PM
Join us at Tonic for Humanities Happy Hour with author Carl Shuker. Shuker is a former editor at the British Medical Journal and the author of six novels, including The Royal Free; A Mistake (which was just adapted into a film starring Elizabeth Banks) and Anti Lebanon. He lives in Wellington with his wife and two children.
This event is part of Pour & Explore Martinborough and we're pleased to be collaborating with The Martinborough Books & Post, who will be selling Carl's books at the event. A special thanks to Te Herenga Waka Press for making this event possible.
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Humanities Happy Hour is a monthly series where we invite writers, historians, folklorists and other humanities scholars to discuss their work and field your questions in our cosy library of libations. Tickets are $20 and include a draught beer, glass of wine or mocktail.
Cocktail Masterclass #2
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST 4:30PM
A great introduction to how to make magic behind the bar. Michael, owner and bartender at Tonic, loves two things in equal measure (pun intended) – cocktails and history. He’ll offer up some of each in this class. Shaken or stirred? Olive or with a twist? How did a wine blight in Europe help create one of the world’s best-known cocktails? And just who, or what, was Harvey Wallbanger? He’ll get back to the roots of some of our favourite drinks and help you make three of your own.
Bird of the Year Collaboration with Dr. Beak
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Our Humanities Happy Hour for September has gone to the birds. We're happy to be teaming up with Dr. Beak to highlight the work of Forest & Bird and make sure the Riroriro wins 2025 Bird of the Year!
Join us on 18 September at 6pm in our efforts to raise funds for Forest & Bird. What a night we have planned -- themed cocktails, book sales, great banter, live music and of course a VOTE FOR RIRORIRO!
(No ticket sales, but we kindly ask for a koha on entry, which will be donated to Forest & Bird as will a portion of cocktail sales)