August 19, 2024 – 
Seventy-five iconic wineries from across New Zealand’s unique regions will present their very best Pinot Noirs, each with an intrinsic sense of place. World-leading experts will deliver aspirational and thought-provoking content that celebrate our key themes – Place, Care, and The Time to Come. It is an exclusive event that is not to be missed.
Day 1 is all about Place – reconnection to our land, our past, our people, our tūrangawaewae (a place to stand). How place impacts who we are as New Zealanders. How we have been shaped by our ancestry, and how our connection to place underpins unique New Zealand Pinot Noir.
Day 2 is all about Care – future considerations for the heath and livelihood of our place, Kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and what this means to our wine community and how this is woven into everything we do.
We start with a discussion on guardianship of place – led by Makarini Rupene, Environment Canterbury poū matai kō (mahinga kai/food gathering facilitator). Makarini will discuss the concept of Care, and what it means to be Kaitiakitanga (a guardian). Highlighting the connection between our work with the land and the care returned to it as we safeguard it for the next generation.
Tim Flannery, internationally acclaimed scientist, explorer and conservationist, will then take to the stage. Bringing a wealth of experience, passion and perspective, Tim will deliver some powerful considerations on how we relate to and care for our land. Tim will also explore how we can consider guardianship as Pinot Noir winegrowers, merchants, commentators and enthusiasts, importantly, acknowledging how the land has cared for and provided for us.
Next, delve into the acts of care and regenerative viticulture. Dr. Jamie Goode will consider ecological issues in viticulture, and wine in general and look at what New Zealand is doing in the vines to better care and protect our place for future winemakers.
Before moving to a domestic speaker panel, the international perspective for this plenary concludes with Mimi Casteel. Researching forest health in the wild led Mimi to question many things, notably whether the fate of the natural world will be decided. After spending more than a decade at her family’s estate, Mimi started Hope Well, her vineyard and living laboratory.
“I am thrilled to be joining new friends and colleagues for Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025. It is a great privilege to be among so many great leaders and masters of the craft to explore the things that matter most to great wine: guardianship, kinship, and intention”, says Mimi.
Day 3 is all about The Time to Come – what’s next and ā Mua (the time to come). This day will provide a commercial lens on New Zealand Pinot Noir and the opportunities waiting on the world’s stage. This day is bookended by two major tastings, ‘Inspiration’ and ‘Aspiration’. Each tasting will feature eight wines selected and delivered by our panel of Pinot Noir icons.
Inspiration will hero wines that inspired our icons at the start of their journey into the wine world and a wine that continues to inspire them today. Aspiration will sample wines our panel are most proud of making, and a wine they have discovered and aspire to.
The 2025 celebration of New Zealand Pinot Noir will spill out into the colourful city of Christchurch, Aotearoa’s ‘oldest and newest’ city across two iconic venues – Te Pae and Christchurch Town Hall.
Secure your seat at the table, tickets are available now – www.pinotnz.co.nz.
