Oraterra
Oraterra translates to golden earth, reflecting the value of great vineyard sites in Martinborough, including that from which winemaker Wilco Lam is now making wines.
The October event was organised by Hawke's Bay Winegrowers, New Zealand Winegrowers, and the New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology (NZSVO).
Viticulturist Dr David Jordan, who is on the NZSVO workshop committee, was very pleased with the collaboration between the organisations to offer a technical workshop on day one, and a market focus and review of current international wine styles on day two, with "great energy and enthusiasm for collegial exchange" brought by attendees to both days.
Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Executive Officer Brent Linn says the first symposium was a great opportunity to bring the national wine community to Hawke's Bay, which he calls "the spiritual home of Chardonnay", and therefore the rightful place to hold the national symposium.
"It was really good for the Chardonnay Symposium to have the NZSVO Technical Workshop provide us with some training wheels in the first year."
They already have keynote speakers booked for 2024, "and it's a must-attend for anyone in the Chardonnay space".
