The 2011 New Zealand Annual Trade Tasting will take place on Monday 17th January, 2011 at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8.

Trade & Press are invited to taste a comprehensive rage of New Zealand wines, including new vintages from 2010 and 2009.   The trade tasting on January 17th 2011 will run from 12.00 noon to 6.00 p.m. with the consumer tasting following at the same venue from at 6.30 - 8.30 p.m.

Despite tough economic conditions, exports to Ireland of New Zealand wines are up +14% (MAT October 2010) and there is little doubt that Irish consumers are continuing to appreciate the distinctive and highly popular style of New Zealand’s ‘signature’ grape variety, Sauvignon Blanc.  The 2010 vintage, which was smaller than 2009, has produced wines of intensity and regional character.  However, there is also growing demand and appreciation for New Zealand’s other premium quality wines, especially Pinot Noir, and a wide range of varietals will be shown at the tasting.

In addition to the producer and local distributor tables, there will also be three ‘themed’ self-pour tables that will showcase interesting developments in New Zealand.  These will be:

New Zealand Syrah – ‘The one to watch!’
New Zealand Pinot Noir – Demonstrating real regional diversity
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – Taste the regional diversity within the sub-regions of Marlborough and other NZ regions

David Cox, European Director for New Zealand Winegrowers comments 'Ireland is still seen as a vibrant market by our wineries and their presence at this trade & consumer tasting demonstrates their commitment to invest and continue to build a premium brand positioning here”.  He added “the actions that we have taken to get the short-term over supply problem back into balance will result in the premium image being resumed and we are confident that trade visitors from all sectors of the on and off-trade will find real ‘gems’ that will help them satisfy the growing demand from consumers for a broader New Zealand range'.

Participating wineries for the 2011 annual tasting so far include:
Akarua; Allan Scott Family Winemakers; Ata Rangi; Bibby Wines; Brancott Estate;  Cloudy Bay; Craggy Range; Delta Wines;  Elephant Hill;  Framington Wines;  Forrest Wines; Giesen Wines; Greywacke;  Hunters Wines NZ; Lawson's Dry Hills;  Mount Beautiful (Teece Family Vineyards);  Nautilius Estate; Oyster Bay;  Omaka Springs Estate;  Saint Clair Estate Wines;  Seifried Estate;  Spy Valley Wines;  Te Kairanga Wines;  Tinpot Hut; Tohu Wines; Villa Maria; Waipara Hills; Winegrowers of Ara; Wild Earth; Wither Hills and Yealands

NEW ZEALAND CONSUMER WINE TASTING EVENT
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  Monday 17th January, 2011
Venue:  SAS Radisson Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8.
Consumer tickets are now on sale price €15.00. (Buy 10 and get an 11th ticket free). 
A great idea as a Christmas stocking filler for the wine enthusiast in your life.

To purchase consumer tickets you can use the following methods:
 On line at:  www.newzealandwineevents.co.uk  
(Credit Card payment accepted)

To pay by cheque or postal order contact:  Jean Smullen
 Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   for an application form
or telephone  (01) 274 5955  or (086) 816 8468

New Zealand Winegrowers - London Office
David Cox  Director – Europe
New Zealand Winegrowers
Tel:  +44 20 7973 8079
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.nzwine.com