New Zealand’s biggest wine event to hit Wellington

The global wine trade will converge on New Zealand’s north island later this month for the country’s “most significant wine event” – Pinot Noir NZ 2017.

Maynard Keenan, frontman of US rock bank Tool, and winemaker, is one of the speakers set to appear at the event

Held every four years, with the Sauvignon Blanc NZ event taking place in intervening years, the three-day event attracts a wealth of winemakers, influencers and journalists to Wellington to debate and celebrate the success and future of one of New Zealand biggest exports.

The sold out event includes a line-up of speakers from Japan, the United States, Australia and the UK, including Jancis Robinson MW, actor and NZ winemaker Sam Neil, the world’s only Master of Wine and Sake Ken Ohashi, and Tool frontman and winery owner Maynard James Keenan.

Sessions will focus upon issues relevant to the ongoing success and evolution of New Zealand Pinot Noir, and how winemakers are pushing the grape forward.

Among the seminars set to take place, wine writer Jo Burzynska will consider how wine can be enjoyed in a multi-sensory environment, while Australian wine writer Andrea Frost will discuss new styles of engagement and communication with wine lovers.

“New Zealander of the Year” Dame Anne Salmond, awarded for her contribution to New Zealand cultural history, and Rachel Taulelei, CEO of Kono NZ, will also lead a session on New Zealand and winemakers’ connection to the land.

Joining them will be four New Zealand Masters of Wine; Jane Skilton, Emma Jenkins and Michael Brajkovich, along with New Zealand’s newest MW Stephen Wong.

Pinot Noir NZ will take place on the Wellington waterfront from 31-2 February, showcasing 115 wineries, with over 600 wines, to 600 industry leaders, influencers and lovers of Pinot Noir. For more information click here.