Good wine holds memories. A bottle, whether opened for a special occasion or a simple dinner with friends will carry the feeling of that moment forever, a reminder of the conviviality and gravitas that surrounded it the first time. It is this idea that first drew us to Kumeu River, a winery known for producing some of the most special wine in the world.

Over eight decades and three generations, Kumeu River has not only sat on the same piece of land, north-west of Auckland, but since its inception, has been presided over by the Brajkovich family, who have built something that now draws comparison with the great estates of Burgundy. And beyond the undeniably impressive winemaking at play here, it is the family’s philosophy that points to a deep authenticity at the heart of Kumeu River’s approach. The care with which this wine is made has become something you can taste in every bottle, and it imbues the wine with a certain, intangible quality that is hard to describe.

The Brajkovich's Kumeu Village range is where that philosophy meets the everyday. Made from the same family-owned vineyards, with the same winemaking values as every award-winning and higher end wine that leaves the estate, the Kumeu Village Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are designed to be shared widely and enjoyed with or without ceremony. They are, the family will tell you, always in the fridge at home.

For a wedding, there is no better brief. To pour something refined and delicious, but also something real, something with 80 years of legacy behind it — and let it do what wine has always done at the moments that count.

A few weeks ago, we gathered with friends at Kumeu River to enjoy an intimate lunch in honour of the Village range and to talk with the Brajkovich family about legacy, winemaking and the art of choosing a bottle for any kind of occasion. There, around a table set in the back garden of Melba Brajkovich's home, we sampled the full range of Kumeu Village wines alongside platters of delectable food pairings by The Wine Room’s talented Head Chef, Alfie Ingham.

We describe Kumeu Village as the everyday, approachable wine you should always have in the fridge. They’re made to be light, crisp, and delicious, and they’re versatile for many occasions, or just when a glass of wine is needed. Kumeu Village plays an important role in keeping the integrity of our Kumeu River Estate and Single Vineyard wines at such a high level.

Kumeu River has its single-vineyard wines, which should showcase a sense of place. Vineyards that deserve their own designation, The Kumeu River Estate wines are a blend from vineyards of very high quality. Kumeu Village is the benefactor of any fruit we don’t require in these wines. We still apply the same winemaking values to the Village wines, however they tend to be a little lighter and drinkable on release, whereas the other wines need a few years to hit their stride.

The first job of Chardonnay or Pinot Gris is to be refreshing; as a family, we always have the Village wines in the fridge at home. We always look for the fruit to speak for itself; as such, there is little or no oak used in the Village wines; they are fresh, ready and easy to drink. Perfect for a wedding, which they have featured at a few of ours.

Great friends and good conversation! They usually help with the latter. Celebrations are really where our Kumeu Village range comes to the party; they are excellent wines you can host large events with, knowing everyone is going to enjoy what they are drinking, and you’re not going to break the bank with the wine budget.

When it comes to actual pairings, we love crayfish so naturally, Chardonnay and Crayfish would be a recommendation. The Village Pinot Gris has a hint of quince and spice, and is a great winter white option that can handle a bit of spice. While our Kumeu Village Pinot Noir, like most delicate reds, loves a red-meat or rich-protein match.

When you’re entertaining a large group, you simply can't cater to every taste; however, with a great Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, you’re getting pretty close. The bride and groom are the main event; the food and wine have to be good, but don't need to be the star of the show. Solid choices that everyone feels comfortable with create a great feeling in the room. If Kumeu Village can help create that, we’ve done our job.

Simplicity and variety. Generally, you won't have the Ritz-Carlton wine service team, so keep your wine list simple yet effective for both guests and your staff on the night. Variety, you want enough to foster choices and not enough to overwhelm. Bookended with Sparkling Wine (possibly Kumeu River Crémant!) and perhaps a bolder, richer red, the Kumeu Village wines do nicely fill out a simple and delicious list. The bottles with the hand-drawn calligraphy look lovely on any table, too.

Wine is the perfect postcard or time capsule to transport you back to a moment in time. With that in mind, Kumeu Village wines are so readily available at many local retailers around the country, you can always reach out for one of those good memories without having to pack out your cellar with cases and cases of something rare and wonderful.

We’d like to think that every year our viticulture and winemaking get better and better; we only get to do our job once a year, so it takes a while to really get it right. As all our vineyards come of age and our winemaking is honed, the largest beneficiary of all this effort is the Kumeu Village wines, whose prices haven’t moved much over time; however, the wines are better and better every year.

We’re a family business, run by four siblings. Michael, Marijana, Milan and Paul. Mum, Melba is very much a part of the Kumeu River story as is founder and husband, Mate. Now at 89, she still lives at the winery, entertaining the vineyard team and cellar door visitors with stories of her time in the industry. As a family, it makes us really proud to see our wines received with integrity and authenticity, no matter the price point. They showcase value and provide access to world-class Chardonnay, in particular, at a fraction of the price of our French counterparts.