“Let us join together, In Praise of Riesling”

The Waipara Valley in North Canterbury is the perfect place to consummate this
passion for the variety that Jancis Robinson calls “the indisputably greatest white
wine variety in the world”.

We invite you to join us on Monday 31st January 2011 for a day of Riesling
thanksgiving in the beautifully landscaped surroundings of the Pegasus Bay Winery.

It is often said that Riesling has a remarkable capacity for ravishing the
senses while also engaging the intellect, so all aspects of the variety will be
highlighted in this day long programme. Riesling will be tasted and examined on
everything from a local (Waipara Valley), regional (New Zealand) and international
(rest of the world) level.

The day will be broken up to form three distinct areas of focus:

1. Context

The first part of the day will be dedicated to understanding the
Riesling grape variety in its best expression from other parts of the
world. We will taste top international wines in 3 flights.

2. Exploration

This part of the programme will explore Riesling in its New Zealand context:

a. The Riesling Challenge, where we will taste wine all made from the same
Waipara Valley vineyard, then crafted by different Winemakers from around
New Zealand.

b. A showcase of Waipara Valley Riesling where participating wineries are invited
to put their “best Riesling foot forward”. This may include back vintages, rare
wines or even experimental batches.

3. Relevance

Throughout the day careful consideration will be given to Riesling’s unique place
as an outstanding food wine, with wonderful food matches by the Pegasus Bay
team that won their category 4 times in Cuisine Magazine’s 2008 Restaurant of the Year awards.

Join local winemakers, some of Australasia’s most influential wine writers,
Riesling experts and fans for a wonderful day dedicated to this classic grape variety.
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Click here for info on past In Praise of Rieslings.