Some of the world's wine authorities will be speaking at the 2009 Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration on January 30 and 31.
They include British wine writer and editor of the Oxford Companion to Wine Janics Robinson, and Neal Martin from The Wine Advocate (United States) who covers New Zealand for Robert Parker's team.
Two hundred wine enthusiasts from around the world are expected to descend on Queenstown for a mix of formal and informal events.
The aim of the event is to educate, invoke debate and, above all, highlight pinot noir, and to enjoy some of the best local cuisine.
Following the successful 2008 Formal Tasting and Historical Presentation of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Vivant, this celebration will present a comprehensive study on the Burgundian Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), including an examination of the social and political environment at the time of its creation and the AOC's contemporary applications.
This will be a backdrop to one of the highlights of the celebration, the tasting of exemplary Grand Cru Burgundies.
A special masterclass will focus on subregional characteristics of Central Otago pinot noir. The grand tasting on the first day dominates the programme, showcasing the pinot noir of 42 Central Otago wineries.
