The technical workshop will run for a full day in Marlborough on 18 October, with five sessions led by industry practitioners, researchers and leaders in viticulture, winemaking and marketing.
Sophie Parker-Thomson MW, will discuss international appetite and hot spots when it comes to alternative varietals, followed by an international tasting to illustrate some of her findings.
Then Rory Grant from Riversun, Dr Tanya Rutan from Bragato Research Institute (BRI) and Dr Bruno Fedrizzi from the University of Auckland, will discuss trials on six alternative varieties grown for BRI trials, with each wine fermented and stabilised with neutral or minimal inputs. The wines underwent sensory analysis with Bruno, with the results to be shared - and wines proud - at the workshop. Speakers also include Mike Collins and Clive Jones from Nautilus Estate, Ian Quinn from Two Terraces, Daniel Brennan from Decibel Wines, Amy Hopkinson-Styles from Halcyon Wines, and Hayden Penny from Organised Chaos.
The event will wrap up with Emma Jenkins MW, talking about the opportunities for New Zealand encouraging discussion and curiosity. She will consider what 'alternative' means in a new industry such as New Zealand's with a tasting incorporating domestic and international wines.
"After having to press pause last year on our technical workshop series, we are excited to dive back in with such a hot topic," says Jeff Sinnott, NZSVO president. "Looking at opportunities for our industry as consumer preference and climate evolves is integral to our continued success."
18 October
