Martinborough’s Palliser Estate has announced the appointment of Norka Mella Munoz to lead the Palliser Kitchen as Executive Chef from the first weekend of May.
Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for Palliser’s culinary offerings, as she brings her signature style, passion and luxury dining experience to the kitchen.
Norka was previously the Executive Chef at Wharekauhau Lodge, where she was named Luxury Lodge Chef of the Year by the Cuisine Good Food Guide 2024, and played a pivotal role in securing the lodge’s first-ever Cuisine Hat. She developed her high-end style at other luxury venues Kinloch Manor and the Mangapapa Hotel in New Zealand, and around the globe. She has also been an ambassador for Ōra King Salmon, and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
A Chilean Kiwi
Mella Munoz says while she’s influenced by her South American roots and global travels, her cuisine now treads the line between fine dining and something more Kiwi and relaxed.
She says “I call myself a ‘Chiwi’, having grown up in Chile, but spending half my life in New Zealand. And my food style mirrors these influences”. She practices ‘zero-waste cooking’ as much as possible, and with a focus on sustainably sourcing the best local, seasonal, artisanal ingredients alongside her burgeoning kitchen garden, Norka’s new menu complements the Palliser wine range perfectly.
Palliser Chief Executive Pip Goodwin is delighted to have a Chef of this calibre lead the Palliser Kitchen. She says that “after four different pop-up foodies operating out of the Palliser Kitchen in recent years, having our own Executive Chef in-house will not only provide an elevated experience, but create consistency for visitors to our Cellar Door and Kitchen”.
To celebrate Norka’s arrival and the launch of her first winter menu at Palliser, they are hosting an exclusive launch event on Saturday 24 May. This special evening will offer guests the chance to meet Norka, sample a selection of her exquisite new winter menu in canapé format, and enjoy perfectly paired Palliser wines Palliser Winemaker and Viticulturist Guy McMaster will also deliver a post-harvest report.
Site, Season & Sustainability
Palliser Estate is a world-renowned Winery, Cellar Door & Kitchen located in the boutique Martinborough wine region of New Zealand.
For over three decades, Palliser Estate has crafted sustainable wines that speak of site, season, soul, and sustainability. Their portfolio includes celebrated Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, still and sparkling, organic and say they are on their way to being organic. The Palliser Cellar Door & Kitchen is open 7 days a week, year round for wine tastings, flights, and lunch.