May 31, 2025
Inside a Mora Wine Tasting with Vicki
At Mora Wines, wine tastings aren’t just about the wine—they’re about the people. That’s what makes a session with Vicki, Mora’s Cellar Door Manager, so special. From the moment guests arrive, there’s a warmth to her welcome that’s both effortless and intentional. Her approach is rooted in a deep knowledge of Mora’s wines and a clear understanding that no two guests are ever the same.
Each wine tasting she leads is subtly tailored to the personalities, curiosities, and energy of the group. Whether it’s a couple celebrating an anniversary, a group of friends on a wine adventure, or someone completely new to the world of wine, Vicki has a gift for reading the room and adjusting the rhythm accordingly.
She greets everyone by name when she can, or makes sure to ask, with a sparkle in her eye that says, you’re in for something special. Her skill is to put people at ease—as if the tasting has already begun, just by being in her presence.
Rather than following a set tasting order, Vicki curates each wine with intention—based on the moment, the mood, and the people in front of her. She draws from stories, not scripts. Sometimes it’s about the vineyard. Sometimes it’s about the winemaker’s choices. And sometimes, it’s just about how a wine makes you feel. Vicki knows that wine isn’t just something you taste—it’s something you connect with.
She might start with a Chardonnay or a dry light Rosé—but which one depends entirely on her read of the group. She might tell stories here too: about the vineyard block the wine came from, the people and landscapes of Central Otago, about the time a guest swore they didn’t like Chardonnay—until they met this one.
If there’s interest in reds, Vicki builds anticipation with Mora’s celebrated Pinot Noir selection, guiding guests not only through the wines, but through the stories that give them life.
And she doesn’t just talk about wine—she invites people into its world. She asks questions. Encourages comparisons. She notices when a guest lingers on a mouthfeel, or raises an eyebrow at a tasting note, and leans in with just the right detail to deepen the experience. When she describes a wine, Vicki doesn’t list flavours—she evokes them. “It’s like a cherry orchard at the end of summer,” she might say, or “think of a Black Doris plum split open on a warm stone.”
There’s often laughter, too. Vicki is as quick with a well-placed joke as she is with a piece of vineyard trivia. She fosters connection—not only between guest and glass, but among the people around the table. By the end of the tasting, strangers feel like old friends, and the wine feels like it told them something personal.
And when the final glass is raised, it’s clear: Vicki hasn’t just hosted a tasting. She’s created a moment— with the kind of magic that lingers long after the last sip.
Vicki and the team at Mora Wines, Queenstown are available 7 days a week for guided, exclusive wine tastings. Tastings last approximately 30 minutes and include a selection of 5 wines (and the personal attention of your wine host). Bookings are strongly recommended.
BOOK YOUR MORA WINE TASTING >>
Each wine tasting she leads is subtly tailored to the personalities, curiosities, and energy of the group. Whether it’s a couple celebrating an anniversary, a group of friends on a wine adventure, or someone completely new to the world of wine, Vicki has a gift for reading the room and adjusting the rhythm accordingly.
She greets everyone by name when she can, or makes sure to ask, with a sparkle in her eye that says, you’re in for something special. Her skill is to put people at ease—as if the tasting has already begun, just by being in her presence.
Rather than following a set tasting order, Vicki curates each wine with intention—based on the moment, the mood, and the people in front of her. She draws from stories, not scripts. Sometimes it’s about the vineyard. Sometimes it’s about the winemaker’s choices. And sometimes, it’s just about how a wine makes you feel. Vicki knows that wine isn’t just something you taste—it’s something you connect with.
She might start with a Chardonnay or a dry light Rosé—but which one depends entirely on her read of the group. She might tell stories here too: about the vineyard block the wine came from, the people and landscapes of Central Otago, about the time a guest swore they didn’t like Chardonnay—until they met this one.
If there’s interest in reds, Vicki builds anticipation with Mora’s celebrated Pinot Noir selection, guiding guests not only through the wines, but through the stories that give them life.
And she doesn’t just talk about wine—she invites people into its world. She asks questions. Encourages comparisons. She notices when a guest lingers on a mouthfeel, or raises an eyebrow at a tasting note, and leans in with just the right detail to deepen the experience. When she describes a wine, Vicki doesn’t list flavours—she evokes them. “It’s like a cherry orchard at the end of summer,” she might say, or “think of a Black Doris plum split open on a warm stone.”
There’s often laughter, too. Vicki is as quick with a well-placed joke as she is with a piece of vineyard trivia. She fosters connection—not only between guest and glass, but among the people around the table. By the end of the tasting, strangers feel like old friends, and the wine feels like it told them something personal.
And when the final glass is raised, it’s clear: Vicki hasn’t just hosted a tasting. She’s created a moment— with the kind of magic that lingers long after the last sip.
Vicki and the team at Mora Wines, Queenstown are available 7 days a week for guided, exclusive wine tastings. Tastings last approximately 30 minutes and include a selection of 5 wines (and the personal attention of your wine host). Bookings are strongly recommended.
BOOK YOUR MORA WINE TASTING >>
We had the absolute pleasure of doing our tastings with Vicki at Mora Winery, and she made the entire experience unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, she was warm, kind, and incredibly welcoming. Her caring and generous nature made us feel right at home, and her fun, outgoing personality brought so much joy to our visit. She had us laughing, learning, and loving every sip along the way.
~ Nik, 2025
~ Nik, 2025