Gisborne to host New Zealand's first Chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 21 January, 2016

New Zealand's first Chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium is to be held this February in Gisborne, in the country's far north east.

Past, Present and Beyond... the Tale of New Zealand Chardonnay and Sparkling will be attended by some 80 of the world's leading wine writers and key influencers in the global trade.

It is designed to showcase the quality and diversity of New Zealand's developing offer in these wine categories, while also highlighting Gisborne's cultural and gastronomic heritage.

The event will run on February 4 and 5, directly after the inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough, which occupies the first three days of the month.

Jane Skilton MW and Michael Brajkovich MW from Kumeu River Wines will lead panels of industry experts exploring New Zealand's different regional and winemaking styles.

Chris Yorke, global marketing director at New Zealand Winegrowers, said: "In New Zealand we produce world-class Chardonnay and sparkling wines.

"Our Chardonnay strongly reflects New Zealand's unique terroir and the huge diversity within its regions, while our sparkling has gained worldwide acclaim for its complexity and elegance.

"Gisborne is the perfect venue for the Symposium with its great reputation for kiwi hospitality, rich culture, and of course, its world-class Chardonnay."

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