Pinot Noir 2007 invitation list includes Gwyneth

NEWS RELEASE
15 October 2006

Pinot Noir 2007 invitation list includes Gwyneth

One of Hollywood’s leading ladies is on the invitation list for Pinot Noir 2007.

Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow has been sent a personal invitation to attend the four-day wine conference being held in Wellington early next year, after mentioning in a magazine article that she is a lover of New Zealand Pinot Noir.

“She told Harpers Bazaar that her biggest vice was drinking New Zealand Pinot, which she described as her absolute favourite wine,” says Pinot Noir 2007 Board Chair Steve Smith MW.

“How could we not send her an invite after a glowing endorsement like that!?”

An invitation has been sent via her Hollywood agent to join 500 delegates and luminaries of the international wine world for four days of tastings, presentations, discussions and demonstrations showcasing Pinot Noirs from 100 top New Zealand wineries.

“We aren’t holding our breath for an acceptance, but we do have our fingers crossed,” says Steve. “It would certainly put a different spin on the claim that ‘they’re drinking our wine there’!.

With or without Gwyneth, the event, being held in Wellingtons’ TSB Arena from 29 January to 1 February 2007, is attracting many high-powered speakers and delegates from the world of wine.

The latest confirmed speakers include Leslie Sbrocco and Remington Norman MW.
Leslie Sbrocco is a regular columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and author of the book, ‘Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing Wine’ which won the coveted Georges Duboeuf Best Wine Book of the Year award. Her articles appear in publications such as Time magazine and the Oprah magazine.
Remington Norman MW is considered one of the world’s leading red wine commentators. He founded La Réserve, the group of London wine shops that became internationally famous as specialist dealers in old and rare wines and is the author of a number of award-winning books including The Great Domaines of Burgundy and Rhône Renaissance.

Steve Smith says the Pinot Noir 2007 Board is thrilled at the calibre of the speaker line-up and programme for the event.

“We have attracted some of the most influential wine commentators, critics, makers, sommeliers, chefs, retailers and distributors in the wine and food world.

“As a result, we are going to have a very stimulating four days of discussion and debate, along with tastings of some top wines and a fantastic culinary programme led by Ruth Pretty.

“And we will have shown some key influencers that all the fuss about New Zealand Pinot Noir is definitely worth it.”

Pinot Noir 2007 will also include a special tasting event for the public, which Steve says will be great value for money.

“They’ll get to sample wines from 100 top Pinot Noir producers – all in the same room at the same time – it’s not often that happens so it’s an opportunity well worth taking advantage of.”

More details of the public tasting will be released shortly.

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