Welcome to our new corner of The Jafa Journal dedicated to all things wine. Whether you’re a casual sipper, a budding connoisseur this is where you’ll find tastings, classes, and events across Auckland to meet other Oenophiles aka grape nerds.

Get a peek inside the exclusive members only Northern Club for Eight North Canterbury Vineyards wine tasting and meet their winemakers pouring their current release wines. 8th Oct 5:30pm.

Try NZs Top 10 Pinot Noir as selected by Candice Chow, Chairperson of the Queenstown Sommeliers Club at Ground Wine Bar in the city. 4th Oct 2:00pm.

Interested in natural wine? Come and learn all about it at the South Natural Boutique Wine Festival 2025 at the cute Pocket Bar & Kitchen in Grey Lynn. 15th Nov 12:00pm.

Alright, so over the last couple of weeks we’ve ticked off moving our bodies with run clubs and 5km walks, plus getting that 5+ a day in with a little walk/grocery shop habit stack at a local farmers market. But what about the beveraginos? If you’re looking for a lighter swap so you can still be social, here are some of the best mocktail spots in Auckland.

Rānui Library Seed & Seedling Swap - A monthly community swap where you can bring along what you’ve grown and trade for new seeds, seedlings, cuttings, or produce. It’s free, welcoming, and a great way to discover varieties you won’t find in shops.

Kelmarna’s iconic Spring Seedling Sale is back! Think organically raised herbs, flowers, and veggie seedlings ready to kickstart your summer garden. The Kelmarna crew will be on hand with advice and tips, so you’ll leave with both plants and know-how.

Got spare seedlings or seeds? Bring them down to Ambury Farms Friends of the Farms Seedlings Swap Day and trade them for something new. Don’t have anything to trade? Just come hang out, learn, and connect with other growers and see what other events they have on.

Cool down poolside after a woodfired sauna sesh. Fridays never felt so good thanks to The Sauna Collective.

We’re always on the lookout for fresh happenings, hidden gems, and community favorites to spotlight in The JAFA Journal. Whether it’s a one-off event, a regular meetup, or a new space worth knowing about we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch and let us help spread the word.