Past, Present and Beyond... the Tale of New Zealand Chardonnay and Sparkling runs from February 4-5, and follows Marlborough’s inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration (February 1-3).

The event will showcase the exciting developments that New Zealand is seeing from these wines, and invite guests to enjoy Gisborne’s finest cultural, historical and gastronomical attributes.

A select group of eighty guests will have the opportunity to explore the rich quality, diversity and future developments of New Zealand Sparkling and Chardonnay wines across a full day of comprehensive tastings.

Masters of Wine, Jane Skilton MW and Michael Brajkovich MW (Kumeu River Wines), will lead panels of industry experts, presenting and discussing the unique attributes of New Zealand Sparkling and Chardonnay, taking guests on a journey through the different regional and winemaking styles.

“In New Zealand we produce world-class Chardonnay and Sparkling wines,” said Chris Yorke, New Zealand Winegrowers’ Global Marketing Director. “Our Chardonnay strongly reflects New Zealand’s unique terroir and the huge diversity within its regions, while our Sparkling has gained worldwide acclaim for its complexity and elegance.”

“Gisborne is the perfect venue for the Symposium with its great reputation for kiwi hospitality, rich culture, and of course, its world-class Chardonnay.”