Our New Zealand wine short course is back for 2024!

This is a 3 day course. The price is for all 3 nights (Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7)

New Zealand wine, outside domestic borders, occupies a relatively small amount of real estate in the larger world of wine. In spite finding an abundance of options while in Aotearoa, wine made here accounts for only 1% of global production. In text and in international markets, that small footprint is generally reduced to punchy Sauvignon Blanc and cool-climate Pinot Noir. It is hard to argue the success of either, but what is it about the climate and culture that have propelled these wines forward? What are the other classic styles? And where is New Zealand wine headed?

To cover the country from Northland to Central Otago, sommelière and new(ish) Aotearoa resident Caitlin Perlman and Stephen Wong, MW will be hosting the course across three Wednesday evening sessions. The first two sessions will zero in on the individual regions from North to South. This includes their historical relevance in the context of New Zealand wine as well as peeling back the layers of what sets them apart from the rest of the country. The third evening will explore the ways in which New Zealand wine is changing and will feature wines from people challenging regional norms and expectations. 

On Day 1 (January 24) we will focus on the wines of the North Island: Northland, Auckland and Waiheke, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa. Trying to cover the entirety of North Island wine in 2 hours is ambitious, but across 9 wines, we will endeavor to highlight the historical, climatic, and cultural differences of the Northern regions. The wines selected are regional benchmark examples . The line up will include 2018 Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay, 2011 Stonyridge Larose, 2020 Bilancia La Collina Syrah, and 2020 Dry River Pinot Noir along with other benchmark examples.

On Day 2, January 31, the focus will shift to the South Island: Nelson, Marlborough, North Canterbury, and Central Otago. Again, the selection of wines will narrow in on 10 classic examples including 2017 Bell Hill Pinot Noir, 2021 Neudorf Albariño, 2020 Felton Road Block 5 Pinot Noir, and 2019 Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay.

With the classics fresh in mind, Day 3 (February 7) will shift to wines that challenge regional and stylistic expectations with unorthodox blends, alternative grape varieties or divergent winemaking techniques. In the current wine climate, these wines still sit somewhat on the fringe, but may be pointing to a way forward for the future of New Zealand wine. This session will include wines from La Ferme de Sato, Saorsa, Kunoh Wines, The Hermit Ram, and Black Estate.

Across the three evenings we will endeavor to gather insights into the nuances of the wines of New Zealand; whether it is better understanding where the individual regions compare to one another or exploring the directions winemakers are taking styles. Overall, we will taste 29 different wines from across the country. Also included is the most current copy of NZ Wines comprehensive guide to the regions and varieties.

All 3 dates are included in the cost.