Media Releases

Pinot Noir 2010 Hailed a Huge Success – planning underway for 2013

As endorsements and accolades continue to arrive, Pinot Noir 2010 is being hailed as a true salute to New Zealand Pinot Noir, its growers, winemakers and industry.

“Once again the huge success of this event has contributed to the ongoing positioning of New Zealand Pinot Noir as one of the finest of the new world,” said Alastair Maling MW Board Chair and Group Winemaker for Villa Maria.

Commenting on feedback from those that participated in Pinot Noir 2010 Alastair said that some had hailed it as the “best event of its kind in the world”, with wineries saying they were “‘proud to be involved in an event of this calibre”

“As the most significant wine event in the Southern Hemisphere it is a huge undertaking, but it is a hugely important way to promote our wine industry not just for Pinot Noir but other varieties as well,” said Alastair.

“The feedback from wineries, sponsors and delegates has been hugely positive, as we begin laying the foundations for the 2013 event. These suggestions will feed into our planning as we work to continue to improve this event while keeping the essence of this world-class event.”  

“Pinot Noir is the draw card which attracts hundreds of wine aficionados from around the world all the way to New Zealand. It opens the door for us to be able to showcase our wine industry to this influential audience.  

“Our unique climate combined with the passion and skill of our winemakers allows us to produce some truly world-class wines,” said Alastair.

Over the four days delegates were treated to specific tastings looking at the ageability of our Pinot Noir, regional differences as well as whether sustainably grown Pinot Noir is in fact the way forward.

“Everyone at the event will have taken away their own thoughts about the Pinots tasted at both the formal and walk around tastings. Our Pinots are continually evolving for the better and in an extremely exciting direction which I hope will lead to further debate and discussion for some time to come,” said Alastair.

“Having said this we know we can – and must – continue to get better at what we love doing.  We have come so far in a little over 20 years and we are well on track to achieve our goal of being internationally recognised for our Pinot Noir."

Pinot Noir New Zealand 2010 to Explore Sustainability

Sustainable wine production – organics – bio-dynamics – does it make a difference and do wine drinkers really want to know or even care?

Pinot Noir New Zealand 2010 will explore these complex concepts from a production and sales perspective as well as through the palate in a challenging formal tasting on Day 2 of the event.

“There has been a lot said about sustainable wine-making practices and a large number of claims made about its benefits – so we decided to put it to the test,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman Alastair Maling MW.

“We’ll debate the concepts and their impact first and then get down to it through a formal tasting which will challenge our panel and delegates to see if there is a cohesive character thread in wines produced using alternative viticultural practices.”

The lead-in session will be chaired by Steve Smith MW and the formal tasting by Blair Walter. Tim Atkin MW, Ted Lemon, Andrew Jefford and Jamie Goode are among those panellists and speakers who will contribute to the debate.

In addition to sustainability the other themes of regionality and ageability will be explored. See how our distinctive geography and the passion of our winemakers creates unique and distinct regional personalities in our Pinot Noir.

“There will also be the largest ever tasting of aged New Zealand Pinot Noir from our best producers with over 50 wines to be sampled. This is a first and we’re extremely excited to put these wines to the test of our international panelists with the wine media and critiques tasting and commenting as well,” he says.

“By working with our best wineries, a stellar cast of speakers, and a programme that looks at topics that are current and pertinent to the wine industry the world over, we have created the most significant Pinot Noir event ever down under. Anyone who is serious about Pinot Noir needs to be in New Zealand in February 2010.

Numbers are strictly limited so visit the website www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz and register now for this spectacular celebration of Pinot Noir. Also – take advantage of the favourable exchange rate if you’re registering from overseas or booking accommodation and airfares.

Eight out of New Zealand’s top ten wineries as listed in the just released Tom Stevenson's Wine Report 2009 will be coming to Pinot Noir 2010. The eight wineries, mentioned in the respected UK publication are Neudorf – who took the number one spot, Craggy Range (2), Villa Maria (3), Felton Road (4), Ata Rangi (6), Cloudy Bay (7), Dry River (8), Herzog (9).

These wineries are some of the more than 100 wineries that will particpate in this celebration of all things Pinot.

This comes soon after other participating wineries - Bald Hills and Martinborough Vineyard won the only two gold medals awarded to New Zealand Pinot Noir in the 2009 Decanter Awards, and after Peregrine won a gold medal in the International Wine Challenge for their 2007 Pinot Noir.

“We expect many of the other 100 plus participating wineries to also win honours for their Pinot Noir before Pinot Noir 2010 kicks off on February 1 next year,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman, Alastair Maling MW.

In four days delegates will be exposed to New Zealand’s finest wine, cuisine and entertainment in an event designed to capture the heart and soul of the New Zealand winemaking experience.

“These recent accolades are a real stamp of approval for our Pinot Noir, and an indication of the calibre of wineries involved. It’s another compelling reason to join us for the Pinot Noir 2010 event to sample our finest offerings and discover for yourself why New Zealand produces world-class Pinot Noir.” Mr Maling said.

Mr Maling says Pinot Noir 2010 is a unique opportunity to discover why New Zealand produces the Pinot Noir of choice from the new world, and how our distinctive geography and the passion of our winemakers create unique and distinct regional personalities in our Pinot Noir.

“With our finest wineries, many of which have received international accolades, a fantastic programme and some top-flight speakers, the event will attract the right winemakers, trade representatives, media and Pinot lovers, both international and national, therefore if you’re serious about Pinot Noir – this event is the place to be.”

“Take advantage of your visit and discover more of New Zealand by attending the Syrah and Aromatic Symposia in our beautiful Hawke’s Bay and Nelson regions either side of the Pinot Noir 2010 celebration.”

Numbers are strictly limited so visit the website www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz and register now for this spectacular celebration of Pinot Noir. Also - take advantage of the favourable exchange rate if you’re registering from overseas or booking accommodation and airfares.

Wellington, Tuesday February 2 2010

A key Formal Tasting session at Pinot Noir 2010 has found that our Pinot Noir does age with dignity.

In what was a challenging session delegates were asked to taste ten 2003 New Zealand Pinot Noirs and then a top table of wine commentators, including our own Bob Campbell MW, debated their merits.

“And as one might expect with seven year old wines some could be left to age longer,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman Alastair Maling.

What’s really exciting, says Alastair, is that our winemaking has come a long way since 2003 and combined with more mature vines our Pinot Noir winemakers can take a more hands off approach.

“It needs to be remembered however that our vines are still young by European standards.  As an industry we know that we still need more vine age but it was heartening to see how well the wines showed from ‘younger’ vines.”

Alastair said that the tasting threw up some interesting comparisons and it was evident that those aged Pinot Noirs from older New Zealand vines did show a sense of place, elegance and finesse that would be highly regarded at any international tasting.

Wellington December 22,

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will open New Zealand’s most prestigious international wine event on February 1 next year.

Pinot Noir 2010 is the most significant event of its type in the Southern Hemisphere bringing together our top 100+ Pinot Noir producers and exposing them to up to 400 of the most influential wine writers and buyers from around the world.

Pinot Noir 2010 is more than a wine event however. It is a four day wine and food extravaganza that unashamedly puts the best of New Zealand wine, food and entertainment in front of influential international food and wine media.

“The story of New Zealand wine is the story of New Zealand,” said Pinot Noir Chair and Villa Maria Group Winemaker, Alastair Maling MW.

“This is why the event has such a strong culinary programme using the best and freshest New Zealand produce – and why we work so hard to bring to New Zealand those who will have the most impact on our reputation and sales,” said Alastair.

The themes for the event speak volumes about New Zealand’s reputation as a Pinot Noir producer – Pinot Noir being regarded as one of the most difficult wines to make.

“In 2007, when the event was last held, we said to the wine world ‘Come and see what all the fuss is about’ – well they came and we got rave reviews,” said Mr Maling.

“This time we’re saying to the world it’s all about New Zealand Pinot Noir – its ageability, its regionality and also about how we grow sustainably,” he said.

“We have developed a fantastic programme to explore these themes and to have the Prime Minister opening the event will show our international guests how serious we are about Pinot Noir, our wine and our food.”

Pinot Noir 2010 runs from February 1 – 4, 2010 on the Wellington waterfront. Go to www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz for more information about the event.

Stimulate your palate, push your boundaries and experience four fantastic days of wine tasting, challenging discussion and outright entertainment – discover why New Zealand produces some of the world’s finest Pinot Noir.

International registrations are open for the chance to mix and mingle with international wine stars, enjoy tastings of New Zealand’s finest offering of Pinot Noir, be entertained and indulge in a world-class culinary programme at Pinot Noir 2010.

“We invite you to come to Wellington, in February 2010 and discover for yourself why New Zealand produces the Pinot Noir of choice from the new world, and how our distinctive geography and the passion of our winemakers creates unique and distinct regional personalities in our Pinot Noir.” Says Alastair Maling MW, Chairman of Pinot Noir 2010 and Group Winemaker, Villa Maria Estate.

“Participate in the largest ever tasting of aged New Zealand Pinot Noir from our best producers with over 50 wines to be sampled and benefit from networking opportunities by making new contacts, exploring new ideas and new prospects that will extend well beyond the event itself.” Alastair Maling says.

“By working with all New Zealand wineries and a stellar cast of internationally renowned speakers, the event will attract the right winemakers, trade representatives, media and Pinot lovers, both international and national, therefore if you’re serious about Pinot Noir – this event is the place to be.”

“Hear about the various aspects of winemaking and viticulture and how the New Zealand wine industry is leading the way – from sustainable winemaking practices to marketing your product in the international marketplace.”

“Take advantage of your visit and discover more of New Zealand by attending the Syrah and Aromatic Symposia in our beautiful Hawkes Bay and Nelson regions either side of the Pinot Noir 2010 celebration.”

Numbers are strictly limited so visit the website www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz and register now for this spectacular celebration of Pinot Noir.

Wellington, Monday February 1 2010

Three hundred of the world’s most influential wine critics arrive in Wellington today with one question on their mind – how good is our Pinot Noir?  And over the next four days our top 107 Pinot Noir wineries will put palates to the test in what is New Zealand’s most important international wine showcase.

Pinot Noir 2010 is a triennial event that takes over two years and $1.5 million to organise.  Its aim is to expose the ‘glitterati’ of the wine world to the best of our Pinot Noir within an event environment that combines fine wine with fine cuisine and kiwi entertainment.

“Pinot Noir 2010 is unique in that we try and create a true New Zealand experience to showcase our best wines within,” said Pinot Noir Chairman and Villa Maria Group Winemaker, Alastair Maling MW.

“This allows us to run formal and delegate tasting sessions focusing solely on Pinot Noir alongside a social and culinary programme that includes white wines of all varieties,” he said.

As always the Pinot Noir event focuses on topical and relevant issues and themes designed to stimulate debate as well as the palate.  In 2010 these themes revolve around how well our Pinot Noir ages, our distinctive regional differences and how we apply – and the impact of – New Zealand’s sustainable viticulture practices.

“These themes are critical to us – particularly offshore,” said Alastair.

“We know we grow great Pinot Noir – but how well does it age?  To test this we’ll hold a special formal tasting of selected 2003 Pinot Noirs and ask our international panel of experts and other delegates to give us their views.

“We will also do this from a regionality perspective to see if we can truly lay claim to distinctive regional differences.  And, in a similar way we will see if sustainable growing practices produce wine with a noticeably different palate.”

Alastair says that, as in previous Pinot Noir conferences, he expects robust debate to flow as wines are compared and the tastings continue.

“Debate is essential and we have in New Zealand some of the best wine writers and commentators in the world so I suspect the discussion will continue long after they leave New Zealand.”

Pinot Noir New Zealand 2010.  Wellington Waterfront February 1 – 4 2010.  www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz

World leading wine expert, writer, actor TV and radio personality Oz Clarke is coming to Pinot Noir New Zealand 2010.

“We’re tremendously excited to have Oz confirm he’ll come and participate in what is New Zealand’s – if not the southern hemisphere’s - most significant Pinot Noir event,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman, Alastair Maling MW today.

Oz Clarke is acknowledged as having one of the finest palates of anyone writing about wine today. He is erudite, extremely amusing and a huge fan of New Zealand wine. His writing accolades are lengthy but he is perhaps more widely known through his television series ‘Oz and James’ Big Wine Adventure’ .

“Oz will be part of the panel which, on the last day of Pinot Noir 2010, will look to benchmark New Zealand Pinot Noir alongside some of the great Pinots from Oregon, Burgundy, California and Australia,” says Alastair.

Oz will be joined on this panel by other eminent wine authorities including Matthew Jukes, Neal Martin, Nick Stock and Bob Campbell MW.

“Pinot Noir 2010 brings together our top 100+ producers and through a combination of formal and informal tastings exposes our wines to some of the best palates and wine minds in the world.

“This, combined with some of our finest cuisine and homegrown entertainment makes Pinot Noir 2010 an not-to-be-missed occasion,” says Alastair.

Registrations are open now and filling fast – got to www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz to grab your place at the table.

Eight of the wineries who’ll be at Pinot Noir 2010 have won 18 top awards in two separate wine competitions recently.

“We expect many of the other 100 participating wineries to win honours for their Pinot Noir before Pinot Noir 2010 kicks off on February 1 next year,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman, Alastair Maling MW.

Pinot Noir 2010 is a celebration of all things Pinot. In four days delegates will be exposed to New Zealand’s finest wine, cuisine and entertainment in an event designed to capture the heart and soul of the New Zealand winemaking experience.

“The recent medals are a real stamp of approval for our Pinot Noir, and another compelling reason to join us for the Pinot Noir 2010 event to sample our finest offerings and discover for yourself why New Zealand produces world-class Pinot Noir.” Mr Maling said.

[Editor’s note: full list of awards won by Pinot Noir 2010 participating wineries at the end of this release.]

Mr Maling says Pinot Noir 2010 is a unique opportunity to discover why New Zealand produces the Pinot Noir of choice from the new world, and how our distinctive geography and the passion of our winemakers creates unique and distinct regional personalities in our Pinot Noir.

“By working with all New Zealand wineries and a stellar cast of internationally renowned speakers, the event will attract the right winemakers, trade representatives, media and Pinot lovers, both international and national, therefore if you’re serious about Pinot Noir – this event is the place to be.”

“Take advantage of your visit and discover more of New Zealand by attending the Syrah and Aromatic Symposia in our beautiful Hawkes Bay and Nelson regions either side of the Pinot Noir 2010 celebration.”

Numbers are strictly limited so visit the website www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz and register now for this spectacular celebration of Pinot Noir. Also - take advantage of the favourable exchange rate if you’re registering from overseas or booking accommodation and airfares.

Full List of Medals

10th International Cool Climate Wine Award Winners

Best Pinot Noir 2007

Villa Maria – Reserve Pinot Noir 2007

Best Mature Vintage Cool Climate Estate

Villa Maria Estate

Class 7: 2008 Vintage Pinot Noir (Bronze)

Gibbston Valley Wines – Gold River Pinot Noir 2008

Wild Rock Wine Company – Pinot Noir 2008

Class 13: 2007 Vintage Pinot Noir

Villa Maria – Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 (Gold)

Villa Maria – Single Vineyard Rutherford Pinot Noir 2007 (Gold)

Villa Maria – Cellar Selection Marlborough Pinot Noir 2007 (Silver)

Wither Hills – Pinot Noir 2007 (Bronze)

Villa Maria – Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir 2007 (Bronze)

Villa Maria – Private Bin Pinot Noir 2007 (Bronze)

Wild Rock Wine Company – Wild Rock 'Cupids Arrow' Pinot Noir 2007 (Bronze)

56th Royal Easter Show Awards

Gold Medal

Nautilus Pinot Noir, Marlborough 2007

Olssens Jackson Barry Pinot Noir 2007

Olssens Slapjack Creek Pinot Noir 2007

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir 2007

Waitiri Creek Pinot Noir 2007

Wooing Tree Beetle Juice 2007

Wooing Tree Pinot Noir 2007

Two of the wineries who’ll be at Pinot Noir 2010 have won the only two gold medals awarded to New Zealand Pinot Noir in the world’s largest wine competition.

Bald Hills won a gold medal for their single vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 alongside Martinborough Vineyard who won a gold medal for their 2007 Pinot Noir, in the 2009 Decanter Awards that this year received more than 10,000 wine entries.

“We expect many of the other 100 plus participating wineries to also win honours for their Pinot Noir before Pinot Noir 2010 kicks off on February 1 next year,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman, Alastair Maling MW.

Pinot Noir 2010 is a celebration of all things Pinot. In four days delegates will be exposed to New Zealand’s finest wine, cuisine and entertainment in an event designed to capture the heart and soul of the New Zealand winemaking experience.

“These gold medals at such a renowned international competition are a real stamp of approval for our Pinot Noir, and another compelling reason to join us for the Pinot Noir 2010 event to sample our finest offerings and discover for yourself why New Zealand produces world-class Pinot Noir.” Mr Maling said.

Mr Maling says Pinot Noir 2010 is a unique opportunity to discover why New Zealand produces the Pinot Noir of choice from the new world, and how our distinctive geography and the passion of our winemakers create unique and distinct regional personalities in our Pinot Noir.

“With a fantastic programme and some top-flight speakers, the event will attract the right winemakers, trade representatives, media and Pinot lovers, both international and national, therefore if you’re serious about Pinot Noir – this event is the place to be.”

“Take advantage of your visit and discover more of New Zealand by attending the Syrah and Aromatic Symposia in our beautiful Hawkes Bay and Nelson regions either side of the Pinot Noir 2010 celebration.”

Numbers are strictly limited so visit the website www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz and register now for this spectacular celebration of Pinot Noir. Also, take advantage of the favourable exchange rate if you’re registering from overseas or booking accommodation and airfares.

Pinot Noir 2010 winery, Wooing Tree, has scooped the pool at the inaugural Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition. Not only did its 2007 Pinot Noir win Best New World Pinot, it also won the South China Morning Post trophy for Best (overall) Pinot Noir.

“The win was richly deserved,” said Competition Director and judge, Simon Tam.

“New Zealand Pinot Noir is simply going from strength to strength and I am looking forward to being a speaker and panellist at Pinot Noir 2010 in New Zealand in February next year,” he said.

Over 1,300 wines were entered in the competition with 120 of these being Pinot Noir.

And along with Wooing Tree, 20 other Pinot Noir 2010 wineries also won medals at the event.

“This is simply a fantastic result and really shows the strength of our offering in this part of the world,” says Pinot Noir 2010 Chair and Villa Maria Group Winemaker, Alastair Maling MW.

“And with China now our fourth largest Pinot Noir market the trophies and medals take on a special significance,” he said.

The 21 wineries who won medals and trophies will all be at Pinot Noir 2010 in February next year. Pinot Noir 2010 is New Zealand’s most significant international wine event bringing together New Zealand’s top 100+ Pinot producers with up to 400 of the most internationally significant wine critics, commentators and trade.

“Pinot Noir is one of the most challenging wines to make and we are blessed in New Zealand with having the combination of terroir and winemakers with the passion to make some of the best in the world.

“Pinot Noir 2010 is a celebration of this,” says Alastair.

International wine maestro’s and Pinot Noir 2010 speakers, Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin MW, have both been recognised at the prestigious Louis Roederer 2009 International Wine Writers’ Awards. The annual awards were announced in London on September 7.

Oz Clarke, raconteur, TV personality and acclaimed author received the Louis Roederer Award for best International Wine Book and Tim Atkin MW has been named best International Wine Columnist.

Among the judges of this year’s awards was wine writer Andrew Jefford – another Pinot Noir 2010 speaker and panelist.

“It’s great to see Oz and Tim honoured in this way,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman Alastair Maling MW.

“It is also testimony to the significance of Pinot Noir 2010 that both of them as well as Andrew Jefford are making their way to New Zealand in February next year,” he said.

Oz Clarke will be part of the panel which, on the last day of Pinot Noir 2010, will look to benchmark New Zealand Pinot alongside some of the great Pinots from Oregon, Burgundy, California and Australia.

Tim Atkin MW and Andrew Jefford join a panel which looks to explore the character of our Pinot Noir grown using biodynamic or organic production philosophies.

“Pinot Noir 2010 brings together a stellar cast of internationally renowned speakers our top 100+ producers and through a combination of formal and informal tastings exposes our wines to some of the best palates and wine minds in the world.

“This, combined with some of our finest cuisine and home grown entertainment makes Pinot Noir 2010 a not-to-be-missed occasion,” says Alastair.

Other international speakers include, Leslie Sbrocco, Simon Tam, James Halliday, Jonathan Butt, Evan Goldstein MS, Jamie Goode and more.

Top Line-up of Speakers and Panelists in Wellington, 1–4 February 2010

Matthew Jukes, Simon Tam, Leslie Sbrocco, Nick Stock, James Halliday, Bob Campbell MW and Saatchi and Saatchi Worldwide CEO, Kevin Roberts are among the top line-up of speakers and panelists that help make up the comprehensive and challenging programme for Pinot Noir 2010.

“Then there’s the likes of Tim Atkin MW and Jamie Goode alongside our very own Steve Smith MW and Larry McKenna – the list goes on,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman and Group Winemaker, Villa Maria Estate, Alastair Maling MW today.

“We’ve pulled together a fantastic programme and some top-flight speakers and are excited at the prospect of running four fantastic days of wine tasting, challenging discussion and outright entertainment.

“Registrations are open and filling, the programme is set and the word is out - come to Wellington in February 2010 and discover for yourself why New Zealand produces the Pinot Noir of choice from the new world.

“See how our distinctive geography and the passion of our winemakers creates unique and distinct regional personalities in our Pinot Noir. And hear how New Zealand is leading the world in sustainable winemaking practices.”

Alastair says one exciting element of the programme will be the largest ever tasting of aged New Zealand Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s best producers with over 50 wines to be sampled.

“This has never been done before and we’re extremely excited to be able to put these wines to the test of our international panelists with the wine media and critiques tasting and commenting as well,” he says.

“We believe that by working with all New Zealand wineries and a stellar cast of internationally renowned speakers we have created the most significant Pinot Noir event ever downunder. Anyone who is serious about Pinot Noir needs to be in New Zealand in February 2010.

“But as always, places are limited – we were full when the event last ran in 2007 and expect to be in 2010, so visit the website www.pinotnoir2010.co.nz, take a look at the full programme and register now for this spectacular celebration of Pinot Noir.”

Wellington, Monday February 1 2010

Prime Minister John Key officially opened New Zealand’s most significant international wine conference at Te Papa this evening.

Pinot Noir 2010 has taken two-and-a-half years, $1.5 million and one global recession to organise and will see almost 300 of the world’s most influential wine critics test their palates on some of our best wines selected from our top 107 Pinot Noir producers.

“A traditional Maori welcome combined with song, poi and haka from the students of Whitireia Polytech provided a fitting start to what will be four days of fine wine, fine food and great kiwi entertainment,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Communications and Marketing Manager, Robert Brewer.

After the opening delegates were lead out of Te Papa and across to one of the main venues for the event – a marquee especially erected in Odlin’s Plaza on Wellington’s waterfront.

“Tonight will see a celebration of food and wine at the Winemaker’s Party with tomorrow beginning the more formal part of the programme with tastings and conference sessions at the TSB Bank Arena,” said Robert.

Cervena, New Zealand Pork, Regal King Salmon, fresh fish from Talley’s and Kapiti cheeses will help with appetites while palates will be satiated with a wide selection of wines – including, of course, Pinot Noir.

Wellington, Tuesday February 2 2010

It’s official.  Our Pinot Noirs exhibit clear regional differences with the challenge now being to dig deeper and expose within-region characteristics.

That’s the key outcome from the first Formal Tasting at Pinot Noir 2010 – a gathering of some of the world’s most influential wine critics and commentators with one question on their mind – how good is our Pinot Noir?

“I got the sense that we all could have tasted and then carried on debating for some time which is a clear indication that regional differences in our Pinot Noirs are there but need closer examination,” said Pinot Noir 2010 Chairman and Villa Maria Group Winemaker, Alastair Maling MW.

“It was good that the wines were tasted blind as this meant we were all put on the spot in terms of trying to get a regional sense of character and typicity,” said Alastair.

Seven wines were on show for this tasting and, as delegates move off to a lunch hosted by Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast the discussion still goes on.

“This is what Pinot Noir 2010 is all about – good debate about the quality of our Pinot Noirs – it’s why we spend two plus years planning the event,” said Alastair.

And after lunch delegates will go straight back into the tasting hall for the second Formal Tasting of the day this time testing the ability of our Pinots to age.