The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

High profile guest for wine celebration

rsz_screen_shot_2015-10-06_at_110142_amCentral Otago is making an impact on the tourist trade as a wine destination and seven years ago a keen group of boutique viticulturalists from the Alexandra Basin banded together to hold their first New Releases Event, which is gaining popularity each year. This year local producers will be showcasing over 50 new release wines made in the Alexandra Basin.

The New Release Tasting differs from a Wine and Food festival whereby people are able to sample a smaller portion of a large number of newly released wines, thus experiencing a wide selection of wine produced in our own backyard. There will also be complementary locally made cheese and crackers available at each of the stalls for people to enjoy. Guests also receive a branded tasting glass and a tasting booklet with information about each vineyard and the wine they are presenting.

This year’s special guest is Joelle Thomson. The writer, author and wine lover, who tutors at the New Zealand School of Food & Wine in Auckland is also studying the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma; a two year UK degree in wines and spirits.

The Alexandra Basin Wine Growers will be holding its 7th Annual New Release Wine Tasting Event during Labour Weekend on Sunday 25th October 2015, in Olivers Garden from 1 – 4.00pm . This year the New Releases Tasting Event features on the second day of the first annual Down to Earth Wine Celebration schedule – a 10 day event (24th October to 4th November) that showcases and celebrates the best of wine produced in Central Otago.

At $25 per ticket, tickets sell out fast. For more information or tickets contact :

Trevor Deaker (Dunedin) ph 027 222 3381
Sarah Hinton (Central Otago) ph 027 436 7416
Central Gourmet Galleria, 27 Sunderland Street, Clyde

Henrys Wines and Spirits, Alexandra