Oysters and bubbles at Viaduct Harbour this weekend

Oyster lovers will be able to enjoy free sampling, with bubbles to wash it down, this weekend at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

Heart of the City marketing manager Liz Smith says there will be a variety of oysters.

"From Bluff to Whangaroa - a massive 60 dozen oysters will be opened by professional shuckers at lunchtime on the weekend."

Served alongside the Mills Reef Non Vintage Methode Champenoise will be a Lake Chalice Riesling.

"While oysters are an acquired taste - you either love them or you don't - there are plenty of ways to enjoy them," says Smith.

Oysters and Bubbles is one of a series of events that will lead through the winter into the America's Cup regatta which begins in October with the Louis Vuitton Cup challenge.

Over $300,000 has been set aside to promote the series of events at the Viaduct Harbour including the Enchanted String Quartet playing at the Harbour Stage on Sunday.

During the winter a month of jazz is planned and a long lunch event will be held in conjunction with the International Laugh Festival.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup