Pinot Noir NZ 2021 will take place from February 23-25, 2021. NZWG says the aim is to see New Zealand Pinot makers recognised as international thought leaders and spark increased demand for New Zealand wine.
Pinot Noir 2021 co-chair Helen Masters, winemaker at Ata Rangi, Martinborough, and ‘NZ Winemaker of the Year 2019’ said: “The New Zealand wine industry is becoming mature and confident, comfortable about who we are and how we talk about ourselves. New Zealand’s continual innovation in grape growing, winemaking and industry-wide sustainability attracts great interest on the world stage.”
Co-chair Penelope Naish of Black Estate, North Canterbury adds: “The 2017 event was the most inspiring wine event I’d attended, so I’m thrilled to be involved in shaping Pinot Noir 2021. We’re going all out to make it the best one yet.”
For the first time in its 20-year history, the event will be hosted in Christchurch. The committee is planning a celebration of Pinot Noir that spills out into the city, with events for Cantabrians and visitors, as well as a programme for guests from around the world. A new brand has also been introduced for Pinot Noir 2021, giving it a fresh look and feel.
Loren Heaphy, Christchurch NZ general manager of Destination and Attraction, said: “We are delighted to have secured this event for our city, and we welcome with open arms the world’s wine community. Christchurch sits at the heart of the South Island, which produces some of the best wine in the world, and we are looking forward to showcasing our region to international wine influencers and sommeliers.”
Mindful of the recent terrorist attract which brought unfortunate notoriety to an otherwise placid Christchurch, Masters said: “The committee considered a number of venues for Pinot Noir 2021, but Christchurch really stood out for its energy and collaborative approach. It’s a fascinating city, the speed with which it’s evolving makes it an extraordinary destination for our guests to explore. It’s also a natural mid-point for our Pinot Noir growing regions in the North and South islands. Following the appalling terrorist attack in Christchurch on Friday 15 March, we’re even more committed to showing our support for the city.”
It will be the sixth Pinot Noir NZ gathering, and marks the 20th anniversary of the event.The scale of the gathering has grown from 100 wines at the inaugural event, to 117 wineries bringing more than 600 wines to 500 international industry influencers in 2017. New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries, with total exports reaching $1.7 billion in 2018.
