Botanist Introduces New Winemakers Dinner Series, Beginning This September

The Goods from Botanist

Vancouver, BC | Botanist is launching its first-ever Winemakers Dinner Series this September, starting with two celebrated international wine producers: Rieslingfreak from South Australia on September 9, 2025, and the esteemed Louis Roederer Champagne House on September 16, 2025.

Hosted in the Botanist Garden, each evening will feature a five-course paired menu by executive chef Hector Laguna and his team, presented in collaboration with the featured winery. Each menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase the distinctive character and versatility of each wine and champagne.

“These intimate winemaker’s dinners are a chance for guests to explore a single varietal or producer in-depth, in a way where they can connect with the wine and gain a deeper appreciation for how they were created.” Matthew Jacobson, Botanist Head Sommelier, explains. “For Rieslingfreak, we’ll be highlighting how one grape can express itself in different ways depending on style and region. For Louis Roederer, we’ll dive into the diversity of Champagne and the many ways it can elevate food. Both evenings are one-day events and will truly be memorable.”

Rieslingfreak – September 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Founder, owner, and winemaker John Hughes of Rieslingfreak, one of Australia’s most celebrated producers and a current finalist for Winery of the Year, will guide guests through a tasting journey of the Riesling grape in all its forms. Founded in 2009, Rieslingfreak began as a passion project dedicated to showcasing the incredible range and nuance of Riesling. Today, the winery produces 11 distinct styles, each identified by a number representing both the region and the wine’s style. Sourcing fruit from some of South Australia’s most celebrated Riesling regions – including Clare Valley, Eden Valley and Polish Hill River – Hughes crafts wines that span dry, sweet, sparkling and fortified expressions. Few grade varieties offer such versatility, and his approach highlights the very best of each vineyard’s character.

Louis Roederer Champagne House – September 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.
Louis Roederer’s Stéphane Richer de Forges will showcase nine Champagnes from the historic house, founded in 1776 and known as one of the last great independent family-run Champagne houses. Guests will explore how distinct Champagne styles – including its Brut Nature Blanc 2014, Rosé Vintage, Carte Blanche Demi-Sec 243, Collection 244 or 245 – pair with Laguna’s dishes, culminating in a Cristal 2015 finale.

For more information, please visit www.botanistrestaurant.com/whats-on/. Reservations are now open and can be made available online.