The future of Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand has 22% of the world's 90,000 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc so diversification is important, as winemakers James Healy and Brent Marris suggest to Joelle Thomson.
A number of outfits from previous year's competitions will be part of a show that will be held during the Gala Dinner on the final night.
Patrick Materman, Chair of the organising committee says it is just another in the long list of events planned for the Celebration, and one that is likely to have guests extremely excited.
"While the Wearable Arts are a New Zealand icon, there are many people who have never had the opportunity to see these remarkable designs. And for the large contingent of international guests, this will be the grand finale of what promises to be an incredible three days."
He says the link between wine and the WOW show are quite strong.
"As winemakers we are constantly creating new expressions of wine to enjoy. And WOW is much the same in their innovation of design. The two are a perfect match."
The Sauvignon Blanc Celebration is living up to its international name, Materman says. Seven other countries besides New Zealand will be represented at the event. Winemakers from South Africa, Australia, France, Chile, US, Austria and Italy will present their wines in an afternoon of international tasting. The list of guest speakers is as diverse as the styles of wine, and includes some of the biggest names in the wine industry, including; Matt Kramer, Sam Harrop MW, Oz Clarke, Mike Bennie, Leslie Sbrocco and Julia Harding MW.
"This is all about celebrating Sauvignon Blanc in its many forms, and from the many regions that produce it," Materman says.
The International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration will be held in Marlborough from February 1 – 3.
