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Book now for the 2012 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration
26 Sep 112012 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration
From January 26-28, lovers of Pinot Noir will once again descend upon spectacular Central Otago for a world class celebration of stunning local wine and cuisine. The 2012 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration boasts a tremendous line-up of events poised to satiate the senses. Rubbing shoulders with local winemakers and renowned wine experts, delegates are guaranteed an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most dramatic wine growing regions.
Challenging to grow, impossible not to love, Central Otago Pinot Noir will be showcased by a selection of 40 leading winegrowers, staged at various tastings and events across the region. Beginning with a social aperitif and informal Riesling tasting on the Thursday evening, the Grand Tasting will kick off the following morning with the Pinot Noirs of Central Otago, augmented by gourmet vineyard lunches and the “Winemakers' Party” in the evening.
Saturday will herald the keynote Formal Tasting of Burgundies and culminate in the Grand Dinner at the dramatic Skyline restaurant, interspersed by lunch at Queenstown’s finest restaurants. Superb South Island chefs Brendan Downer and Jonny Schwass will orchestrate a culinary climax at the Grand Dinner, finishing with a charity auction that will include an unique cuvee of Central Otago Pinot Noir.
“It’s a fantastic gathering of passionate people who have the opportunity to experience first hand the unique expression of our wines in the dramatic landscape where we grow our vines,” said chair of the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration, Jen Parr. “Over a couple of inspiring days of tastings and exciting culinary experiences, we will unveil another chapter of our story as we celebrate 25 years of Central Otago Pinot Noir. In Pinot Central, we know how to work hard but we also love to have fun – the Pinot Celebration is the perfect occasion to have fun in true Central style.”
Leading wine personalities from New Zealand and from New Zealand’s key international wine markets are set to be involved as guests of Central Otago Pinot Noir Ltd (COPNL) including:
• Joanna Simon; British wine writer and columnist for The Sunday Times for over two decades. Has written several books, regularly contributes to Decanter and is a member of the Wine Gang. www.joannasimon.com
• Tim Atkin MW; UK wine journalist, Master of Wine, contributor to numerous publications and co-chairman of the International Wine Challenge. www.timatkin.com
• Gregory dal Piaz; Former chef and restaurant owner, based in the US and a former Director of Astor’s Wine & Spirits in New York. Now Editor in Chief for www.snooth.com.
• Debra Meiburg MW; Master of Wine, former wine professor, TV personality and founding director and judge of the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. www.debramasterofwine.com
• Jane Faulkner; Wine writer for the Age and Sydney Morning Herald, wine writer and restaurant reviewer for Gourmet Traveller and wine show judge.
• Ch’ng Poh Tiong; Wine writer, lawyer and tasting panel judge, based in Singapore, contributes to Decanter and founded the International Congress of Chinese Cuisine & Wine.
Registration has now opened for delegates and can be completed online at www.pinotcelebration.co.nz
