Press Release from Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration
29 May 2008
Dates Confirmed for Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration 2009
The seventh Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration will be held on the 30th and 31st January 2009 in Queenstown, New
Zealand.
Confirmed delegates for the 2009 Celebration include world-renowned wine writer Jancis Robinson MW, who, after attending
her first Celebration in 2005, described the event as "surely the most relaxed pinotfest ever.”
With the mountains, lakes and valleys of the world’s most southerly wine region as its picturesque backdrop, the Pinot
Celebration is a not to be missed date on the international Pinot Calendar. It brings together the world’s leading
writers and commentators, together with two hundred food and wine enthusiasts from around the world.
The aim of the two day programme of events is to educate, invoke debate, and above all, to highlight Pinot Noir
regionally, domestically and internationally. It is called a Celebration as winemakers and consumers meet in a relaxed,
non-competitive setting.
Past media and VIP attendees have included internationally acclaimed wine author, judge and founder of Coldstream Hills
winery in Victoria, James Halliday; world renowned wine authority and Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson; premier Burgundy
critic, Allen Meadows; and the first Master Sommelier in the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealander Cameron Douglas MS.
Central Otago is a rapidly growing wine region, located at latitude 45º South, with a growing international reputation
for Pinot Noir. In 2007, the variety accounted for 85% of total vineyard plantings.
The region’s vineyards are located east of the resort town of Queenstown and include the small towns of Wanaka, Cromwell
and Alexandra.
ends