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Michael Henley MW.
Organising a premium Pinot Noir conference against the backdrop of an economic downturn and the decline in global wine sales is a tough business.
But those headwinds make it even more important to "get together and scream and shout about how great New Zealand Pinot is. And to remind the world of that", says Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 committee Chair Michael Henley MW. "Because Pinot needs a shot now; it needs a little bit of excitement and this event is going to bring a little bit of joy to the great wine people present."
From 11-13 February, Ōtautahi, Christchurch will be a Pinot paradise with a packed three-day programme of 25 speakers from New Zealand and abroad, and opportunity to connect with 79 Pinot producers and an impressive array of international wine writers, reviewers, sommeliers and retailers. It takes a lot of planning, programming and support, says Michael, thanking New Zealand Winegrowers, incredible sponsors, and guests, both international and domestic. He also thanked his committee, the Pinot Bunch, who have spent the past 18 months planning the event, building on the work of the 2021 committee - led by Helen Masters and Pen Naish - which was foiled by Covid-19.
Most of all, Michael is looking forward to reconnecting with "global tastemakers", who are coming down to New Zealand to share their perspective. "It's a great programme, and there are some very influential people going to be here; we all need to make the most of this."
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