A Toast to the 2009 Vintage

Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton

Trade and media representatives are invited to an exclusive ‘taste and talk’ release of new and award-winning wines, hosted by Wines From Martinborough and Wairarapa Wines.

When:  Tuesday 20 October, 11am – 4pm
Where:  Chaffers Dock Function Centre, Oriental Bay, Wellington City
RSVP:  By Monday 12 October to Alexandra Barton: alexandralbarton@gmail.com or 0272 888 067 

The Wairarapa – the most versatile winemaking region in New Zealand?

Hosted Tasting – 11am – 12 midday
Limited to 30 people

Join us for a tasting of 11 distinctive wines from Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton, and a provocative discussion on what makes our region arguably the most versatile winemaking region in New Zealand.

Led by wine writer John Saker, the panel will consist of winemakers Larry McKenna (Escarpment); Helen Masters (Ata Rangi) and Jane Cooper (Matahiwi Estate). Franck Moreau, Group Sommelier for the Merivale Group of Properties in Sydney, will bring an international trade perspective to the panel. They are looking forward to letting loose, for a discussion guaranteed to be both lively and informed. Lunch will follow.

Open Tasting: Midday – 4pm

This is a rare opportunity to taste established brands and some of the newer smaller brands as well, from the region that continues to punch well above its weight on the international stage.

Sample over 90 wines from 30 artisan wineries, and learn first-hand about the wines presented from those who have made them.

Alexia, Ashwell, Ata Rangi, Big Sky, Borthwicks, Brodie Estate, Burnt Spur, Coney, Craggy Range, Escarpment, Fairmont, Gladstone, Hudson, Johner, Joseph Ryan, Little Vineyards of Wairarapa, Loopline, Martinborough Vineyard, Matahiwi, Mebus, Murdoch James Estate, Nga Waka, Palliser Estate, Paulownia, Porters, Schubert, Te Kairanga, The Cabbage Tree, Urlar, Vynfields, Waipipi, Wycroft

Consumers will also get the chance to sample the wines at a special wine and food matching experience that evening, featuring local delicacies created by Martin Bosley.

Tickets to the Consumer Tasting are $50, available in Wellington from Wineseeker (86-96 Victoria Street), Moore Wilsons (Tory Street), Regional Wines and Spirits, and The City Market (Sundays 8.30am – 12.30pm 1 Herd St, Chaffers Dock)