Past, Present and Beyond

The New Zealand Winegrowers event is dedicated to comprehensive wine tastings with a focus on exploring the rich quality, diversity and future developments of New Zealand sparkling wine and Chardonnay. The event, titled Past, Present and Beyond . . . the Tale of New Zealand Chardonnay and Sparkling will take place from February 4 to 5, following on from the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration being held in Marlborough.

Following a process where all regions were asked to submit a proposal to host the symposium, Gisborne was selected.  

“Gisborne put together a strong and creative proposal and I am sure will deliver a great experience for the attendees”, said Chris Yorke, Global Marketing Director, NZ Winegrowers.

 Event organiser Prue Younger says Gisborne is the perfect venue for such an event, given its vast history and stunning scenery, to say nothing of its wines.

“It is a significant national heritage status as the site where Captain James Cook first stepped ashore in 1769 and the abundant blessings of our wonderful Maori performing arts, beautiful beaches and stunning cuisine, means guests are in for a rare treat.”   

The symposium begins on February 4 with a traditional Maori welcome as guests arrive in the afternoon at Gisborne Airport by charter plane from Blenheim.  

Dinner on Thursday evening is at Matawhero Vineyards - one of the country’s most notable pioneer wine companies - with distinguished historian, writer and academic Dame Anne Salmond as keynote speaker.

Friday is dedicated to in-depth tastings with a focus on exploring the rich, regional diversity and future developments of New Zealand Sparkling wines in the morning session and New Zealand Chardonnay wines in the afternoon. 

Winemakers Clive Jones (Nautilus Estate) and Michael Brajkovich MW (Kumeu River Wines) and a panel of experts will discuss four flights of six wines at each presentation.

The venue for dinner on the second evening is a marquee on stunning Midway Beach with canapés served on the sand. Nationally acclaimed but Gisborne owned, soloist Mere Boynton will entertain guests in the marquee as local chefs present seafood matched with New Zealand’s top wines.

For those able to stay on, there will be a Saturday morning tour of other iconic industry players. Attendance at this premium event is limited to 100 delegates.