Press Release – Gisborne Winegrowers

Its fitting some of the worlds top writers and influencers are heading to Gisborne for the second Chardonnay and Sparkling Symposium later this month.It’s fitting some of the world’s top writers and influencers are heading to Gisborne for the second Chardonnay and Sparkling Symposium later this month.

The region has long been celebrated as the home of New Zealand chardonnay and sparkling wine, and the 75-plus media, sommeliers and buyers coming from across the globe will be treated to not just the best of New Zealand’s wines but will also be welcomed with a powhiri, receive an insight to the history and culture of one of the nation’s most significant regions which was the first meeting place between Maori and European in 1769 when Captain James Cook made landfall. The symposium visitors will also be treated to some of the gems of Tairawhiti tourism and savour local delicacies.

Gisborne Winegrowers chair Annie Millton says Gisborne’s chardonnays can stand alongside some of the best in the world. “It is important we continue to let people know we are capable of growing this very top quality fruit,” she says.

The terroir makes the silt and clay balanced soils quite unique, with a high moisture holding capacity meaning Gisborne vineyards are dry farmed. “We don’t irrigate our vineyards here and sustainability is so much more in the spotlight now.”

The local terroir also contributes to the weight, texture and intensity of the Gisborne’s wines. It is the second time the region has won the right to host the New Zealand Winegrowers symposium. “I think part of that was the uniqueness of our region where our culture is very much part of our day-to-day life.”

The attendees will arrive on the Wine Flight Charter via Blenheim, Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay, tasting the wines from those regions as they fly over. The powhiri will be held at Manutuke’s Whakato Marae, not far from where the region’s first grapevines were planted in the 1840s. Friday’s masterclass showcases chardonnay from 20 New Zealand wineries.

The farewell dinner the following evening – featuring the best of local cuisine – will be held at the Opou Homestead where Historic Places Tairawhiti chair James Blackburne will speak about the history of the region. On Saturday Gisborne wine producers will host a regional event to showcase their wines. “It is a great opportunity for the region,” says Annie.

Those attending the symposium come from Ireland, Dubai, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Russia, the United States, Singapore, Japan, China, Japan and Canada.

WHAT: 2019 Chardonnay and Sparkling Symposium

WHERE: Gisborne

WHEN: January 31-February 2, 2019

MORE INFO ABOUT GISBORNE WINE: gisbornewine.co.nz

Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
Original url