17 September 2009

THE WAIRARAPA – THE MOST VERSATILE WINEMAKING REGION IN NEW ZEALAND?

Lock Tuesday 20 October in your diary, when the cream of Martinborough and the Wairarapa’s winemakers hit Wellington for a one-day new release celebration. Join us to discuss the elements of the wine region that continues to punch well above its weight on the international stage.

The day starts at 11am with a provocative discussion on what makes the Wairarapa arguably the most versatile winemaking region in New Zealand. John Saker will spearhead the panel of wine experts – namely 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.  The discussion will involve tastings of 11 varietals, and is guaranteed to be both lively and informed.

The open tasting gets underway at midday, with refreshments served throughout the afternoon. This is a superb opportunity to taste over 90 wines from 30 artisan wineries, and learn first-hand about the wines presented from those who have made them.

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.

Location:
Chaffers Dock Function Centre, 1 Herd Street, Wellington City

Date:  
Tuesday 20 October 2009
11am-midday – Panel Discussion
12-4pm – Open Tasting
6–8pm – Consumer wine and food experience (tickets $50)

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

Entry to the panel discussion and open tasting is free, but those interested in attending do need to register. To do so please contact Alexandra Barton, telephone 0272 888 067 or email alexandralbarton@gmail.com

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

ENDS