THE SHOW

in March of 2014 Tasting Room Radio was invited to tour New Zealand and closely examine the sustainability programs in effect.

Marlborough-wine-region

Part One – we started in Auckland and then moved off shore to Weiheke Island\
Then off to Napier and Hawkes Bay.
Part Two – because there are so many stories in and around Hawkes Bay we started there and then found our way to Nelson on the South Island and a chance to exchange stories and history with the local Maori.

Hawkes bay

Part Three (this show) starts in Marlborough..World Famous for its Sauvignon Blanc and now Pinot Noir.
SPY VALLEY – so named because There’s a large satellite monitoring centre sharing land with the wineries.
Spy Valley are described as the epitome of New Zealand sustainable wines.
YEALANDS – You want Character, you want baby goats? How about a visit to one. Of NZ most successful organic wineries Yealands.

Yealands

Named after the character owner Pete Yealands.
SERESIN –
Michael Seresin is one of those rare people who has managed to make a name for himself in two quite distinct fields: filmmaking and wine.
His first career was as a cinematographer: born in Wellington, at the foot of New Zealand’s north Island, he left New Zealand in 1966 to forge a successful career in the movies, which he continues to this day.

Michael Seresin

He’s famous for the nine films he’s made with British director Allan Parker, as well as working with Alfonso Cuaron on the third Harry Potter film, The Prisoner of Azkabhan.
Seresin began his Marlborough winery in 1992, and this estate is far from being a vanity project, or a plaything for a wealthy retiree. Seresin is a serious player in Marlborough, and quite early on he decided he wanted to go against the grain and farm organically. He’s now working with biodynamics, too, for part of his vineyard management.

BRANCOTT and STONELEIGH.

Two of the biggest wineries in all of NZ and totally committed to sustainability.

Sauv Blancs, Chardonneys, Pinot Noir Rose and Pinot Noir..all between $16/$20.

Brancott is releasing a flight of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris at 9% alcohol.

Jamie Marfell is Winemaker and Patrick Materman is Chief Winemker.

STAETELANDT – Dorien Vermaas Co-Founder
While Ruud is hands on in the winery, Dorien has had her finger on the pulse of the marketing / sales of Staete Landt Wines since the beginning. Her background as a marketing manager in larger companies and her love for wine has certainly given her the edge when it comes to understanding this intricate side of the business.

Staete Landt Wines

Dorien Vermaas

Her bright and bubbly personality are a true asset to the company. Along with Ruud, her philosophy is to produce wines of character and integrity – words that sum up her attitude to all she has done for Staete Landt Wines
Charlie Halliday – Viticulturist
As a youngster, Marlborough born Charlie earned pocket money working in the very first vineyards to appear on the landscape of the region. Little did he know back then, that the wine industry would become his passion and viticulture would be his career. Initially he was helping out Ruud in the development of the vineyard – as a contract worker. But it didn’t take him long to realise that Staete Landt was on to something special. When offered the chance to take on the viticultural responsibilities he jumped at it.

MISHA’S Vineyard. Central Otago.

Andy and Misha Wilkinson own one of the most beautiful pieces of land in Central Otago. So it come as no surprise that the fruit from that land would turn out to be exceptional.