Chardonnay and sparkling symposium next month

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GISBORNE will host some of the world’s top wine writers and industry influencers at New Zealand’s first chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium next month.

Entitled Past, Present and Beyond . . . the Tale of New Zealand Chardonnay and Sparkling, the event is on February 4 and 5.

It will follow Marlborough’s inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc celebration on February 1-3.

“The Gisborne event will showcase the exciting developments that New Zealand is seeing from these wines, and invite guests to enjoy Gisborne’s finest cultural, historical and gastronomical attributes,” said Chris Yorke, New Zealand Winegrowers’ global marketing director.

A select group of 80 guests will have the opportunity to explore the rich quality, diversity and future developments of New Zealand sparkling and chardonnay wines across a full day of comprehensive tastings.

Masters of Wine Jane Skilton MW and Michael Brajkovich MW (Kumeu River Wines) will lead panels of industry experts, presenting and discussing the unique attributes of New Zealand sparkling and chardonnay, and the different regional and winemaking styles.

“In New Zealand we produce world-class chardonnay and sparkling wines,” Mr Yorke said.

“Our chardonnay strongly reflects New Zealand’s unique terroir and the huge diversity within its regions, while our sparkling has gained worldwide acclaim for its complexity and elegance.”

Gisborne was the perfect venue for the symposium, he said.

“With its great reputation for Kiwi hospitality, rich culture and, of course, its world class chardonnay.”

Gisborne winegrowers association president Al Knight said it was wonderful for Gisborne wine and growers.

“We will all certainly get a lot of benefit out of it.”

The symposium includes a dinner at Matawhero Wines.