Auckland gets a Taste of Mount Michael Wines

Auckland gets a Taste of Mount Michael Wines

At the recent Taste Auckland, amongst all the big name wineries, a stand out was a small wine bar with an enthusiastic owner who charmed the trade and public alike.

“We attended Winetopia back in May, and I noticed there was a gap in the Auckland market for our micro boutique, premium, independent wine company,” says Mount Michael owner Anna Robbie.

“Taste was an obvious place to let the food and wine community know that we’re genuine about creating a second-to-none wine experience. We don’t have a cellar door, so we went to the foot traffic and had a party doing it. I talked so much I lost my voice, telling the Mount Michael story and explaining how clients can make the most of every drop of what I believe is precious wine.”

It was all a dramatic change of scene from the serene Central Otago home of the award-winning Mount Michael estate, nestled beneath the imposing Mount Michael itself. (If you’re ever down that way, Anna can take you on a heli-tasting tour to the mountaintop.)

Founded in 1994, Mount Michael was acquired in 2015 by Anna Robbie with the backing of her family; also in the wine industry.

“We currently make three boutique wines: Pinot Gris, Pinot Rosé and Pinot Noir,” says Anna. “When the season permits and the wine is exceptional, our winemaker James McElrea crafts ‘Bessies’s Block’, our reserve Pinot Noir. Some years we might produce a total of 200 cases, 300 if we are lucky – or none.”

Mount Michael was one of the first wine companies in Central Otago to produce a Pinot Rosé, and it’s developed a cult following around the country. In 2016 just 500 cases of the Pinot Rosé were made.

The Mount Michael vineyard is located at Lowburn, however to maintain quality and adapt to the seasonal variables one other vineyard at bendigo is sourced from to deliver consistent, premium wines.

Mount Michael Wines are sold through their direct database, a handful of boutique wine cellars and can be found on excellent restaurant wine lists. Check their website to find out how to get yours.

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