Wellington Wine Country – a boutique region with a range of varieties

Wellington Wine Country is a compact yet diverse region of boutique producers offering high-quality examples of a wide range of varieties, supported by a vibrant, wine-focused community.

Divided into 3 main sub-regions (Martinborough, Gladstone and Masterton), they share broadly similar climate and soils yet offer subtle differences in character for the discerning palate to explore.

A range of styles and varieties are on offer with standout Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and aromatics as well as stylish Chardonnay, Syrah and dessert wines.

With only 3% of New Zealand’s land under vine, and 1% of its total production the region boasts some of NZ’s most iconic and sought-after producers.

Below are wineries from the region who will be showcasing their wines at Winetopia Wellington this year.

Located in Martinborough Palliser is a highly regarded producer of premium wines. Spread across 72 hectares Palliser produces predominantly Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling.

With 7 vineyards on the Martinborough Terrace all within walking distance of each other, they produce quite distinctive wine styles reflecting the differences in soils and micro climates. Taste their highly regarded wines at Winetopia Wellington.

Established in 1984, Te Kairanga’s wines are sourced from their 260 acres of sustainably farmed estate vineyards planted on ancient riverbeds. Te Kairanga’s specialty and passion has always been Pinot Noir but they also make small amounts of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris.

Long dry autumns provide the right balance of warm days (creating ripeness) and cool nights (providing elegance) for producing top quality Pinot Noir and other early-ripening varieties. Taste their wines at Winetopia Wellington

Located in the Gladstone sub-region, owners Angus and Davina Thomson originally hail from Scotland. Proudly family owned, Urlar Estate produces outstanding single vineyard wines using organic and biodynamic principles.

Urlar’s wine collection reflects the nature of its environment and includes harmonious aromatics; Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Gris and strapping, vibrant Pinot Noir. Taste their wines at Winetopia Auckland and Wellington

Sheltered by the Tararua mountain range Matahiwi enjoys a long and dry growing season with balmy warm days and pleasantly cool nights. The climate and the exposed stony sub-soils make the area ideal for growing grapes.

As a Pinot Noir enthusiast, owner Alastair Scott has focused his efforts on this notoriously complicated but delicious variety. He planted Matahiwi’s 80-hectare single vineyard with 60% Pinot Noir and the balance with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. You can taste their wines at Winetopia, Wellington.

Winetopia, presented by Singapore Airlines, provides a unique opportunity to try an amazing range of wines. Follow the links to secure your spot to NZ’s largest Wine Tasting event.

Wellington 15-16 July, Shed 6 Queen's Wharf

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=WINETOPI17

The World’s Southernmost Wine Region

Central Otago is home to some of the world’s best Pinot Noir. The extreme climate has rewarded careful site selection with wines of great intensity and finesse. The distinctive mountainous terrain means the many sub-regions occupy a unique niche of climate, aspect and altitude.

This year Winetopia, presented by Singapore Airlines, is showcasing 11 vineyards from Central Otago including:

Mt Difficulty Wines

One of the first established wineries in Bannockburn, Mt Difficulty is now one of the largest producers of wine in Central Otago. Starting in 1998 with a small production of Pinot Noir it won gold at the 1999 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. With the luxury of utilising a variety of different terroirs, Mt Difficulty creates superb regional and Single Vineyard wines and continues to receive accolades for its wine. We are delighted that Mt Difficulty will be presenting many of its wines at Winetopia, Auckland including its award winning Pinot Noir.

Valli Vineyards

Valli is the personal vocation of pioneering Otago winemaker, Grant Taylor. Grant’s name is synonymous with Otago Pinot Noir. He has been crafting wines there since 1993 and his accomplishments are well known in the wine world having won the Best Pinot Noir Trophy at a major International Wine Competition in London an unprecedented three times. Grant established Valli in 1998 with the aim of creating premium wines reflecting the terroir of Otago's sub-regions. Raymond Chan named Valli his “Winery of the Year 2016”. We’re thrilled that Valli will be attending Winetopia, in both Auckland and Wellington, where they will be presenting their award-winning Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling.

Quartz Reef

Located in the stunning sub-region of Bendigo and specialising in Methode Traditionnelle, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, Quartz Reef showcases the proven winemaking talents of Austrian-born Rudi Bauer. With wines of outstanding flavor and intensity, Quartz Reef will be presenting its wines at Winetopia Auckland and Wellington where you will be able to try its award-winning wines.

Mount Michael Wines

Initially established as a family business and labour of love the vineyards have expanded, contracted and relocated in the pursuit of stunning fruit. The estate is boutique by any standard, producing around 3,000 cases of wine annually. The vines are hand-tended with yields kept low to augment concentration in the fruit. Mount Michael’s wines will be available to try at Winetopia, Auckland and Wellington

Chard Farm

Chard Farm is located on a spectacular terrace above the Kawarau River Gorge. Founded in 1987 at the entrance to the Gibbston Valley, the winery was built in 1993. Chard Farm specialises in premium Pinot Noir production and also produces Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. You can taste their wines at Winetopia, Wellington.

Prophet’s Rock

Located in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago, Prophet’s Rock grows low yielding fruit with exceptional concentration and flavour to showcase the unique identity of its vineyards. Producing Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris & Riesling winemaker, Paul Pujol, is heavily influenced by his time in France giving a unique flair to their wines. Attending Winetopia, Auckland all wines will be available to taste.

Crown Range Cellar

Crown Range Cellar was established by Jing Song. Her collaboration with celebrated industry veteran Grant Taylor resulted in “The Crown Range Cellar Selection Grant Taylor Central Otago Pinot Noir 2013” being judged best Pinot Noir in the world. Crown Range Cellar is attending both Winetopia, Auckland and Wellington and its flagship pinot noir will be available to taste at both.

Hawkshead Vineyard

Fourth generation farmer, horticulturalist and politician Denis Marshall and his partner German-born Ulrike Kurenbach focus on producing fine quality, premium Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling at their Hawkshead vineyard in Central Otago. They chose Hawkshead to link their endeavours close to nature and their organic pinot noir production. Their wines will be available to taste at Winetopia, Auckland and Wellington.

Bald Hills

Bald Hills is located in Bannockburn and is bordered by the "bald" Cairnmuir hills and the Kawarau River, with panoramic, jaw-dropping views towards the Pisa Range and glacier-carved terraces above Lowburn. It produces outstanding wines - Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and a delicious Pinot Rosé and won the international trophies for Pinot Noir at world competitions Decanter and IWC. Try their wines at both Winetopia Auckland and Wellington.

Aurum Wines

Aurum Wines is a family owned boutique winery producing estate grown Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay. Established in 1997 by Joan and Tony Lawrence they have been joined in business by their son Brook (viticulturist) and his wife Lucie a third-generation winemaker from France. Try their Amber Wine, Pinot Noir & Riesling at Winetopia, Auckland.

Remarkable Wines

Remarkable Wines are mostly made from grapes grown on vineyards located at Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley. From these vineyards, they produce two premium quality single vineyard Pinot Noirs, a dry and medium Riesling and a Gewurztraminer. Their very first Pinot Noir, won a gold medal and was awarded the Pinot Noir trophy at the International Wines & Spirits Competition in London in 2008. Each subsequent vintage has achieved gold or silver in this, the world’s largest wine competition. You can try their wines at Winetopia, Wellington.

Kalex Wines

Founded by Polish-American businessman, Alex Kaufmann the quality of Kalex wines is derived from the unique approach of winemaker, Theo Coles. Following a philosophy of minimal intervention, the wine is encouraged to express its own unique sense of place. This classical wine making approach produces romantic, complex wines, which are full of character and stand out from the crowd. You will find Kalex wines at Winetopia, Auckland.

Mt Rosa

Previously a sheep farm, Mt Rosa’s vineyard is in the heart of Gibbston and their philosophy centres around creating approachable, consistent wines. Mt Rosa’s wines will be available to taste at Winetopia, Auckland and Wellington.

Winetopia, presented by Singapore Airlines, provides a unique opportunity to try an amazing range of wines. Follow the links to secure your spot to NZ’s largest Wine Tasting event.

Auckland 9-10 June, Shed 10 - http://bit.ly/2rkT57k

Wellington 15-16 July, Shed 6 - http://bit.ly/2qLsKSX

Tip: Enhance your experience with a @MiNDFOOD Premium Ticket.

Hawke’s Bay - A step into New Zealand’s Rich Wine History

New Zealand’s second largest wine region, sunny Hawke’s Bay has been an abundant source of fine wine since 1851. Hawke’s Bay’s benign climate and high sunshine hours have established the region as ideal for fruit-growing. Vines were first planted in 1851 by Marist missionaries and Hawke’s Bay enjoys a significant international reputation for producing some of the country’s best wines, red and white.

Capable of producing a wide range of varieties to a very high standard, Hawke’s Bay is best known for its Merlot Cabernet blends and Syrah, and equally impressive Chardonnay.

Hawke’s Bay numerous wineries and vineyards encompass both large multi-regional entities and tiny family-owned boutique producers with all sharing a commitment to making great wine.

At Winetopia, presented by Singapore Airlines, you have the unique opportunity to experience wines from 9 different and celebrated Hawke’s Bay vineyards.

Established by Tim Turvey and Helma van den Berg in 1988, Clearview Estate Winery continues as a family owned and operated business. Situated on the Hawke’s Bay coast, and enjoying a unique microclimate, Clearview Estate produces iconic wines with its flagship Chardonnays winning many prestigious awards. Many of Clearview’s best wines will be available to taste at Winetopia, Auckland.

Craggy Range is a family business started by Terry Peabody and his wife Mary in 1993. Recognised in 2014 by renowned US publication Wine Enthusiast as 'New World Winery of the Year', many of Craggy Range’s wines have received notable accolades and awards. Many of these wines will be available to try at Winetopia, Auckland.

The story about Trinity Hill starts in in 1987 in London, when the owner John Hancock met Robert and Robyn Wilson. Together they started dreaming about making their own wines and as a result Trinity Hill was established in 1993 to produce world class wines with an emphasis on the classic Bordeaux varieties and Syrah for red wine from the Gimblett Gravels region and Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc for whites from the cooler inland and southerly regions. Many of these award-winning wines will be available to taste at Winetopia, Auckland and Wellington.

Located in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay Region, Paritua wines are only produced in outstanding vintages. Jason Stent, the winemaker of Paritua, spent two years studying wine in France and uses that as a big inspiration for the Syrah, Merlot and Chardonnay wines produced at Paritua. Try some of their great wines at Winetopia, Auckland & Wellington.

The story of the wines of Sacred Hill started in 1986. Brothers David and Mark Mason grew up with a passion for wine on the family farm in Sacred Hill. Together with their friend, Tony Bish, they started with the philosophy that they wanted to make more wine than they could drink, so they could share with friends and family. From small winery to international star, Sacred Hill has come a long way in the last two decades. With 4 ranges of wines, all are clearly distinct from one another reflecting the unique character of the regions and vineyards they originate from. Try their renowned Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir at Winetopia, Auckland & Wellington

A family vineyard established in 1993 by husband and wife Philip and Terry Horn. They still run the vineyard with help from their boys Luke and Oliver. Specialising in fine wines, Unison places great importance on wood treatment to ensure their wines have great overall balance, good concentration and a silky tannin structure with a fine lingering finish. Try their great tasting Chardonnay, Merlot & Syrah wines at Winetopia, Auckland

Established by the Ham Family, Alpha Domus winery has been running since 1990. Committed to producing premium quality wine that reflect their unique terroir in the Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District they produce world-class wines from a wide range of varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Syrah. Many of these wines will be available to taste at Winetopia, Auckland & Wellington.

Established in 2013 and located on the Te Awanga coast, Elephant Hill’s overriding philosophy is about quality. Known for being innovative, the wine making is still driven by tradition where meticulous attention to detail results in the highest quality wines. Try their Chardonnay, Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon at Winetopia, Auckland and Wellington

Red Metal Vineyards

Established in 1991, Red Metal Vineyards is situated in the acclaimed Bridge Pa Triangle sub-region. Renowned for its merlot/franc blends you can taste their wines at Winetopia Wellington.

Part of the Te Awa Collection and established by winemaker Richard Painter Left Field has a very modern and experimental way of making wine – try their Pinot Gris with a taste of ripe apple, lovely spice and vanilla at Winetopia, Auckland & Wellington.

Auckland 9-10 June, Shed 10 - http://bit.ly/2rkT57k

Wellington 15-16 July, Shed 6 - http://bit.ly/2qLsKSX

Tip: Enhance your experience with a @MiNDFOOD Premium Ticket.

Nestled in the north-eastern corner of the South Island, Marlborough is recognised as one of the premium wine regions of the world, and is our largest wine growing region. Marlborough in combination with Sauvignon Blanc, has put New Zealand on the international wine stage.

With over 20,000 hectares of planted grapes, producing 77% of New Zealand’s total wine production, Marlborough is the home to 141 wineries and will have a strong representation at Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines, with 19 wineries across both events. It is your opportunity to try some of the best wines the region produces.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc first came to the attention of international wine drinkers when Hunter’s Wine won the top award at the Sunday Times Wine Festival in London in 1986 with an oak aged Sauvignon Blanc, and the world began to take notice.

“If there is one company that started the whole international story called Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc it is Hunter’s – they got the magic started” – Bob Campbell (MW)

Wineries and what's on offer at Winetopia presented by Singapore Airlines:

Astrolabe, established in 1996 by Simon and Jane Waghorn. Astrolabe will be featuring a fine selection of their wines including 4 Sauvignon Blancs. For something a little different, try their Sleepers Vineyard Albarino.

Mount Riley’s John Buchanan has been involved in the wine industry for more than 35 years. His

Sauvignon Blancs are classic Marlborough. Mount Riley will also be featuring its Seventeen Valley Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and its limited release Rosé and Pinot Noir at Winetopia.

Lawson’s Dry Hills - Ross and Barbara Lawson are celebrating 25 years since their label was released. While their Sauvignon Blanc is a consistent award winner, make sure you try their Gewürztraminer for a special treat.

Nautilus Estate was established in 1985 by the Hill family of the Australian Yalumba fame. Try their Nautilus Cuvee Brut NV made in the traditional, way with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. It is one of NZ's favourite methode traditonelle.

Greywacke was established in 2009 by Richard Ellis and Kevin Judd, one of Marlborough’s pioneer winemakers. They mainly produce Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Their 2016 Sauvignon Blanc received 5 stars in Michael Cooper’s 2017 Buyers’ Guide. For something different at Winetopia try their Botrytized Pinot Gris 2013.

Framingham Wines winemaker Dr Andrew Hedley is famous for his Riesling wines. The vineyard is the home to some of Marlborough's oldest Riesling vines. Their Riesling it is a must-try at Winetopia.

Clark Estate, established in 2006 by Peter and Jane Clark, is a trophy-wining family winery in the upper Awatere sub-region. Try winemaker Simon Clark’s Sauvignon Blanc and his delightful Noble Pinot Gris.

and exports all over the world. Make sure you try their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.

Giesen Wines was established in 1984 by brothers Theo, Marcel and Alex Giesen. They produce classic Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more recently Syrah. For a special treat, try the Brothers' late harvest Sauvignon Blanc, and from their premium range The August Sauvignon Blanc traditionally fermented in seasonal French oak.

Summerhouse Wine Co. owned by the Neylon and Wiffen families, has remained under the radar in New Zealand. Their Sauvignon Blanc was placed in the top 10 of Sauvignon Blanc by Cuisine magazine. For a special treat try their Verdelho - something new and exciting for the region.

Spy Valley is owned by Bryan and Jan Johnson, and has been named as "the planet's 20 most notable new producers".The vineyard was named because of its proximity to an international satellite communication monitoring station. Spy Valley bring a range of their wines to Winetopia including the Echelon Methode Marlborough 2011.

wines have become firm favourites in New Zealand and around the world. They are dedicated to crafting premium wines with minimal environmental impact.

O:TU owned by Min Jia, is an international award-winning vineyard specialising in crafting super-premium Sauvignon Blanc. Try their award-winning 2016 Sauvignon Blanc. Winetopia provides a

unique opportunity to taste this special wine.

Two Rivers of Marlborough owned by Marlborough raised winemaker, Dave Coulsen. Did you know, Coulsen's,"Two Rivers" refers to the Wairau and Awatere rivers? Their Riesling and Pinot Gris won gold at the NZ International Wine Competition, with their Riesling also winning gold at the Royal Easter Show - don't miss trying these ones!

Cuisine magazine described Jules Taylor Wine’s Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as a gem. "A great

advertisement for classic Marlborough". Her 2016 Sauvignon Blanc was rated Top Sauvignon Blanc by renowned wine writer and reviewer Mathew Jukes. Also try also her Marlborough 2016 Gruner Veltliner for something a little different.

Te Pa family vineyards is owned by Haysley MacDonald. Their Pa Road 2014 Pinot Noir won wine of the show at the 2016 Marlborough Wine Show. Pa Road Sauvignon Blanc and Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc both won Gold medals at the Drinks Business Global Sauvignon Blanc, Master 2016. Try these great wines at Winetopia.

Winetopia provides a unique opportunity to try an amazing range of wines. Follow the links to

secure your spot at NZ’s largest Wine Tasting event.

Auckland 9-10 June, Shed 10 - http://bit.ly/2rkT57k

Wellington 15-16 July, Shed 6 - http://bit.ly/2qLsKSX

Tip: Enhance your experience with a @MiNDFOOD Premium Ticket.