Father Christmas to Enjoy a Glass of NZ Pinot Noir

Media Release

Father Christmas to Enjoy a Glass of NZ Pinot Noir

Wellington, December 21

Father Christmas, knowing a thing or two about wine, will be drinking New Zealand Pinot Noir.

That’s what the Chairman of Pinot Noir NZ 2013 believes as a team of dedicated Pinot producers begin the last phase of organising New Zealand’s biggest international wine event.

“It is the perfectly elegant drop to celebrate one of the year’s great days,” says Alastair Maling MW.

“Last year New Zealand exported well over one million cases of Pinot Noir so chances are the big guy with a beard will share a bottle with his elves!”

Pinot Noir NZ 2013 kicks off in Wellington at the end of January and “A listers” from the wine world will be flying in from the USA, UK, China, Sweden, Japan and Australia.

“This is a seriously good group of Pinot Lovers. MWs include Tim Atkin, Ned Goodwin, Jasper Morris, Lisa Perotti Brown, and Bob Campbell. And we have Matt Kramer from the States, Oz Clarke and Jamie Goode. The whole show starts with Sam Neill and continues with four days of tastings, talking and fabulous eating (Ruth Pretty is behind the culinary programme).

This week saw the release of tickets for the Public Tasting of more than 100 superb Pinots of New Zealand and day passes for those who want to experience some of the fun but can’t get time off for the full four days. Tickets sales are reported to be excellent this week as the perfect Christmas present.

The first Pinot Noir Event was held in 2001. It was set up by a group of dedicated Pinot Noir producers to explore and celebrate the grape in New Zealand. Held every three years in Wellington, Pinot Noir NZ has established a dedicated audience throughout the world and is New Zealand’s most prestigious international wine event.

This is the fifth Pinot Noir event and it is recognised across the globe as a “thinking party par excellence”. The event is supported by New Zealand Winegrowers who regard it as a hero event in the New Zealand wine calendar.

CEO Philip Gregan says Pinot Noir NZ is a springboard for overseas visitors to experience the whole of the New Zealand wine story as they often continue their New Zealand trip to absorb other regions and grape varieties.

ENDS

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