Our New Zealand wine short course is back for 2023!

New Zealand wine, outside domestic borders, occupies a relatively small amount of real estate in the larger vinous world. Production in New Zealand accounts for only 1% of all wine made globally, after all. For many outside New Zealand, the entirety of the country is often treated as a singular region; responsible for 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 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 (February 8) 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 Kume River Coddington Chardonnay, 2013 Te Mata Coleraine, 2019 The Landing Syrah and 2020 Millton Clos de Ste. Anne La Bas Chenin Blanc among others.

On Day 2 the following week, February 15, the focus will shift to the South Island: Nelson, Marlborough, North Canterbury, and Central Otago. Again, the selection of wines will narrow in on classic examples including 2017 Bell Hill Chardonnay, 2021 Neudorf Albariño, 2021 Felton Road Pinot Noir and other benchmark examples.

With the classics fresh in mind, Day 3 (February 22) will shift focus 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 Three Fates, La Ferme de Sato, Saorsa, Huntress and more of the emergent group of NZ winemakers.

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.