AN internationally renowned winemaker paid a visit to Sandiway this week to share his expertise with customers of a village store.

Winemaker Kevin Judd visited Define Food and Wine on Chester Road on Wednesday, January 15, to share his wines with a captive sell-out audience.

Kevin established his reputation as the original winemaker at Cloudy Bay, New Zealand where he helped forge the reputation for its Sauvignon Blanc.

After 25 years as head winemaker he left to set up his own winery, Greywacke in 2009.

Kevin presented the full range of his award winning wines, from a Sauvignon Blanc, to a scented, seductive Pinot Noir, all from prime vineyards in Marlborough.

Guests were able to taste the wines matched with a selection of treats from the Define Deli and free to indulge on their innovative new sampling machines, with a selection of 32 wines permanently available to taste in store.

Jon Campbell, owner of Define Food and Wines, told the Guardian: “It was a huge thrill to welcome Kevin to the shop.

“We’ve had many A-list visitors over the years, but Kevin is one of the few winemakers that would qualify for ‘cult’ status.

“We’re lucky to deal with some of the most inspiring estates around the world, and do our best to tell the story behind the label- a key part of real wine appreciation.

“Much as we’d love to take customers out to vineyards with us, the best practical way of bringing the wines to life is to let customers 'meet their maker’.”

To hear about future winemaker events, join the Define email club at definefoodandwine.com.