Pinot Celebration Bigger And Better

One of the world’s premier wine events is back, bigger and better than ever before, in Queenstown next January.

The 2016 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration will be held from January 28 to 30 2016, the 12^th event of its kind since the inaugural celebration in 2000.

Organisers have extended the length of next year’s programme to include what was an optional session on the opening afternoon available to all attendees.

The event kicks off with the Central Otago Discovery Tasting, described by Chairman John Wallace as “the true essence of the Celebration, asking us all to look at our Pinot Noir in a new light and in a fun and interactive way.”


The Grand Dinner at Skyline is always hugely popular. Southern PR

Event organisers have also extended cuisine offerings during the event, adding an extra dinner and lunch as well as overhauling the wine programme so that each meal showcases not only the world-class Pinot Noir made in the region but highlights other varieties grown there.

“We’ve changed things up to make this the biggest and best Celebration we’ve ever held,” says John.
“We’ve added new parts to the programme, at new exciting venues, and refined what has been a very successful party in the past. We can’t wait to get it started.”

The Celebration attracts Pinot Noir lovers from around the world, including three wine buffs who have attended all 11 celebrations to date. This year’s star guest is UK wine raconteur Oz Clark of BBC TV and radio fame, but organisers are at pains to point out that the event is not just for wine professionals.


Tasting white wines at Rata restaurant at the 2015 event. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

“We plan the event for anyone who loves good food and wine, you don’t have to be a wine buff,” says John.

“It’s about relaxing and having fun while learning something as you go. We use our amazing landscape to set the scene and then mix in some great wine personalities, local cuisine and our fantastic wine.

“It’s a small and intimate event, giving all the delegates a chance to meet and interact with winemakers as well as celebrity guests.”


Pinot Noir grand tasting at Northburn Station. Photo courtesy of Southern PR

Other highlights over the two and half days of the Celebration include a Grand Tasting of 66 Central Otago Pinot Noirs on Friday morning, a lunch in the vines, a Winemakers Carnival at a secret location, a tasting of French Pinot Noir and a charity auction at the Skyline Gala Dinner in aid of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust.

An Earlybird rate still applies to those who register before January 1 2016. To register or for more information go to www.pinotcelebration.co.nz