Pinot Noir showcase opens in Wellington

NEWS RELEASE
29 January 2007

Pinot Noir showcase opens in Wellington

The biggest event of its kind ever staged by the New Zealand wine industry opened in Wellington tonight.

Pinot Noir 2007 has attracted nearly 500 delegates from all over the world, to spend four days talking, debating, learning about and of course, tasting, New Zealand’s top red wine.

It was officially opened tonight by Economic Development Minister Trevor Mallard at a special ceremony at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

The Minister said the event, being held for the third time, had become an automatic entry in the diary of some of the wine world’s most influential people, and he paid tribute to past Board Chairman Richard Riddiford who was instrumental in creating the first event in 2001.

Mr Mallard said the international success New Zealand Pinot was enjoying was benefiting all local wine exporters, by attracting world attention to our wines.

“A decade ago, only a little more than 400 hectares was planted in Pinot Noir. Current predictions suggest next season there will be 4000 hectares grown across the country.

“As plantings continue to increase, so too will Pinot Noir’s contribution to achieving the wine industry’s ambitious export goals and to our overall economy.”
Pinot Noir 2007 Board Chairman Steve Smith MW says that as one of the few places in the world with a climate suited to growing Pinot Noir, New Zealand has an opportunity to become a great Pinot Noir producer.

“We already produce some very good Pinots, and we certainly have the talent and the passion, as well as the right climate and soils, to continue to make better and better wines.

“It’s an exciting time to be working with Pinot Noir, as worldwide demand for it continues to grow, alongside our reputation.”

Pinot Noir 2007 has been organised by Avenues Event Management, and will see nearly 9000 bottles of wine poured into 12,000 Zerrutti Ultimo tasting glasses.

A hundred wineries are showcasing their wines at the event, and delegates will also enjoy a culinary programme put together by leading chef and author Ruth Pretty.

Some of the wine and food world’s biggest stars are attending the event including more than eight Masters of Wine (there are only about 250 registered MWs in the world) and the first person to hold both titles of Master of Wine and Master Sommelier.

Ends