Press Release from Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration 21 September 2007
2008 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration Programme Announced
Since its inception in 2000, the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration has quickly established itself as one of New
Zealand’s premier wine events, and a not-to-be missed date on the international Pinot Noir calendar.
Two hundred wine enthusiasts from around the world will descend on Queenstown, New Zealand the 25th and 26th of January
for the 2008 event. The mountains, lakes and valleys of the world’s most southerly wine region will serve as the
backdrop for two days of fine cuisine, fun and exceptional wine.
The Celebration programme is a balanced mix of formal and informal events in a relaxed, non-competitive and casual
atmosphere. The aim of the event is to educate, invoke debate and, above all, highlight Pinot Noir regionally,
domestically and internationally.
The Formal Tasting
Following on from the successful 2006 formal tasting and historical presentation of Le Clos de Vougeot vineyard, we are
proud to announce that the 2008 formal tasting will be a historical presentation of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint
Vivant and a tasting from the famous Romanée St Vivant Grande Cru vineyard.
Stimulating presentations of this grand terroir will be led by Burgundy expert Allen Meadows aka Burghound and
Jean-Pierre de Smet of Domaine de l’Arlot. A formal tasting of five definitive examples of Romanée Saint Vivant 2004
will follow: Domaine de l’Arlot, Domaine Robert Arnoux, Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron, Domaine Follin-Arbelet, and
Domaine de la Romanée Conti.
This will be a rare opportunity to explore the historical, geo-political and cultural aspects of the Benedictine Order,
with specific reference to their work in and around L’Abbaye de Saint Vivant and the vineyard itself.
The Informal Events
Two major tastings of Central Otago Pinot Noir dominate the programme: the Grand Tasting, which opens the Celebration,
and the Gala Tasting to conclude the first day. Both these events showcase over thirty-five Central Otago wine
producers.
World class cuisine also is a feature of the Celebration, and Queenstown’s top chefs deliver just that over two
gourmet-filled days. We are privileged to have noted Queenstown chef, Joff Bertram, prepare the Grand Dinner in one of
the most stunning dining locations you are likely to experience.
For registration information, please visit our website www.pinotcelebration.co.nz
ENDS