Pinot Noir Day - Wairarapa
Wairarapa, meaning "land of glistening waters" in the Māori language, is compact yet diverse and is the main North Island region with a climate best suited to the heartbreak grape, otherwise known as Pinot Noir. With a fascinating early settler history, vines were first planted here in 1883 but fell victim to the temperance movement in 1905. Wairarapa’s modern wine history dates from the late 1970s, and the region boasts some of New Zealand’s most sought-after Pinot Noir producers.
Download the video here.
Pinot Noir Day - Marlborough
Although Marlborough is known for its Sauvignon Blanc, it is also the largest Pinot Noir growing region in New Zealand. The first plantings of the variety in Marlborough took place as far back as 1973, though for the next 20-plus years most of the Pinot Noir fruit grown in the region was used to make sparkling wine. Serious growth began after the year 2000, and over the first decade of the new millennium, Pinot Noir plantings expanded four-fold, and production of Pinot Noir wine began to grow.
Download the video here.
Pinot Noir Day - Nelson
The picturesque region of Nelson is found on the northern tip of the South Island, and because it is protected by mountain ranges on three sides, Nelson is blessed climatically. The region often leads the country in sunshine hours, while the dryness of the late summer months suits early ripening Pinot Noir.
Download the video here.
Pinot Noir Day - North Canterbury
In North Canterbury, Pinot Noir here ranges from perfumed and pretty, to dark and brooding. North Canterbury’s cool, dry climate with high sunshine and a long growing season gives this region’s Pinot Noir finesse and depth, with supple structure and good complexity.
Download the video here.