June-August
9am–4pm
September-May
9am-5pm
An oasis in the heart of the botanic gardens. ilex Café consists of indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. Inside, floor to ceiling windows fill the room with light and views that overlook vast lawns and the luscious palm-filled nursery. Outdoor guests are treated to an extensive outdoor area surrounded by nature, with bar and food stations setting the scene for a lively day in the gardens.
ilex x Pegasus Bay | Winter Wine Flight
Spend an evening discovering exceptional wines, thoughtfully paired food, and great music at our Winter Wine Flight.
On Saturday 1 August, step into a candlelit ilex overlooking the Christchurch Botanic Gardens nursery for an intimate guided tasting hosted by Mike Donaldson from Pegasus Bay.
Throughout the evening, you’ll enjoy a curated flight of Pegasus Bay wines, each paired with a seasonal bite from our kitchen, as Mike shares the stories behind each pour. As the tasting comes to a close, Mike swaps the tasting notes for turntables as DJ Teflon Don, spinning vintage vinyl while the bar stays open for another glass and good conversation.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply looking for a unique way to spend a winter evening, Winter Wine Flight is the perfect excuse to gather your friends, slow down, and settle in.
Your ticket includes:
- A guided tasting of Pegasus Bay wines hosted by Mike Donaldson
- A curated flight of wines paired with seasonal small plates
- An evening of vintage vinyl with DJ Teflon Don
- Entry into the draw to win a $200 prize pack
Saturday 1 August
6pm – 10pm
ilex Café, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Early Bird tickets are on sale now. Limited discounted tickets are available, so book early to secure the best price.
ilex Food
Living by the mantra: “From garden to plate” ilex food and beverages are a continued appreciation of the land, with produce grown and sourced locally. Culinary creative Jonny Schwass creates menus that reflect the garden landscape, ever-changing with the seasons for all hours of the day.
