NZ to host first Sauvignon Blanc world conference

More than 300 wine professionals will descend on Marlborough, New Zealand, in early February for the first ever International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration.

The first ever International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration takes place in Marlborough, New Zealand from 1-3 February (Photo: Flickr)

Delegates from 18 countries will hear from some of the world’s most renowned wine writers and educators, and have the opportunity to taste over 400 Sauvignon Blancs from eight countries.

Attendees will be able to compare the regional characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand, Italy, France, Chile, South Africa, Australia, America and Austria.

The event aims to showcase the unique styles from each country and region as well as looking into the history of the variety in each respective country and debating its likely future direction.

Guests will also be given an insight into the winemaking techniques used to produce New Zealand’s most popular variety and the diversity of styles it can produce, ranging from classic stainless steel-fermented wines through to botrytised, wild yeast-fermented and oak-aged, as well as low-alcohol Sauvignon Blanc. 

Taking place from 1-3 February, the event will also play host to a garden party at Marlborough’s historic Timara Lodge, a train trip through the Awatere Valley, a Kiwiana beach party, and a gala dinner with a one-off World of Wearable Art show.

“Those lucky enough to be attending the sell-out International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration are in store for an amazing event which will open their eyes to this dynamic grape variety, its diversity of style and future directions; while experiencing first hand one of the world’s most stunning wine regions,” commented event chairman Patrick Materman.

The International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough follows the New Zealand Winegrowers’ Annual New Zealand Trade Tasting in London which, as reported in the drinks business, will this year include a focus on oaked Sauvignon Blanc for the first time. The London trade tasting will be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls on 18 January.

Sauvignon Blanc also featured in one of the last drinks business Masters events of 2015. Those people wishing to know the results of the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc Masters will find them in the February issue of the magazine.