New Zealand Pinot Noir 2025 Conference Celebrates Resilience and Renewal in Christchurch

The Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 conference in Otautahi Christchurch delved into the city's rich history and its journey of recovery and renewal. Christchurch, known as New Zealand's Garden City, has faced significant challenges over its 168-year history, including the devastating 2011 earthquake that claimed 185 lives. This spirit of resilience and renewal set the tone for the conference, which began with a traditional Maori welcome at the modern Te Pae conference center. The venue, adorned with alpine grasses and Maori-inspired designs, provided a fitting backdrop for the event.

David Brennan of Ngai Tuahuriri opened the conference with a mihi whakatau, a traditional Maori welcome, highlighting the historical significance of Otautahi as a meeting place for Maori. He expressed hope that the city would continue to be a hub for exchanging ideas and knowledge. Michael Henley, the chair of Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025, explained the conference's history, noting that it had been on hiatus since 2017 due to the pandemic. This gathering marked the first post-pandemic event, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting and sharing insights.

Dr. Hana O'Regan, an expert in language revitalization and cultural development, spoke about whakapapa, the Maori concept of genealogy and descent. She highlighted the interconnectedness of knowledge, land, gods, and ancestors in Maori culture. O'Regan also addressed the painful history of Maori since European colonization and the progress made through acts like the Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998. She encouraged attendees to embrace their roles as guardians of the land and to connect with their own heritage.

Jeff Sinnott, a member of the Tuku Maori Winemakers Collective, emphasized the universal nature of whakapapa, noting that everyone has connections to places and people. He discussed the ancient Maori migration routes and the valuable knowledge of water and land that guided these journeys. Sinnott also touched on New Zealand's seismic activity and diverse cultural influences, from early Croatian settlers to more recent German and Japanese contributions.

Professor Marion Demossier, speaking from a pre-recorded video, explored the cultural connection to wine and the impact of commercialization on terroir. She noted that New Zealand Pinot Noir has yet to achieve the same recognition as older European wine regions but has a compelling story to tell.

Eric Asimov, a New York Times food and wine critic, discussed New Zealand Pinot Noir's place in the global market. He noted that while New Zealand is a significant wine exporter, its Pinot Noir is relatively hard to find in the US, partly due to the complexities of the American distribution system. Asimov suggested that New Zealand needs to promote its unique story and engage more with sommeliers and importers to enhance its global presence.

Christina Pickard, a wine writer, shared her experiences with New Zealand Pinot Noir, highlighting its heritage and the impact of Sauvignon Blanc on its reputation. She emphasized the importance of both vineyard quality and skilled winemakers in producing exceptional wines.

A panel featuring winemakers from various New Zealand regions provided insights into their unique terroirs and challenges. They discussed topics such as the Abel or Gumboot clone and the effects of climate change on viticulture. The panelists agreed that unpredictable weather patterns are becoming more common, affecting harvest times and vineyard management.

The second day of the conference focused on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Jesse Mulligan, the MC, highlighted the event's commitment to minimizing food waste and promoting sustainability. Makarini Rupene, a custodian of Ngai Tahu knowledge, spoke about the environmental challenges facing the region and the importance of being responsible ancestors.

Professor Tim Flannery, an environmentalist, addressed the pressing issue of climate change, urging attendees to think long-term and consider the impact of their actions on future generations. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach to humanity's power and responsibility.

Jamie Goode, a proponent of regenerative farming, discussed the potential of this approach to enhance vineyard ecosystems. He highlighted the benefits of incorporating diverse plant and animal life into viticulture to improve soil health and reduce reliance on chemicals.

Mimi Casteel, a pioneer of regenerative viticulture, shared her experiences with the devastating effects of climate change on her vineyard. She stressed the urgency of taking action and leading by example in sustainable practices.

The conference concluded with a panel of speakers sharing their personal stories and insights. Nigel Greening of Felton Road emphasized the need for the wine industry to be more inclusive and open, drawing parallels with Christchurch's journey of rebuilding and embracing diversity. He challenged the industry to adapt to changing consumer preferences and make wine more accessible and enjoyable for all.

Overall, the Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 conference highlighted the resilience and innovation of the New Zealand wine industry. It underscored the importance of cultural heritage, sustainability, and global engagement in shaping the future of New Zealand Pinot Noir.