A short history:

The CO Pinot Celebration has been running since 2000, when a group of committed Central Otago producers identified an opportunity to provide a world class pinot noir event in New Zealand, following in the footsteps of other renowned pinot producing regions around the world.  The event takes place every 2 consecutive years, with every third year consigned to the NZ Pinot Celebration in Wellington.  The CO Pinot Celebration has established itself as one of New Zealand’s premier wine events and our vision is to bring together the wine world’s leading writers and commentators, together with wine and food enthusiasts to experience Central Otago’s best wine, cuisine and sights.

The Celebration is held over two fun filled and informative days.

What to expect over the two day programme in 2012:

A panel of winemakers and international pinot noir specialists are being assembled to lead the two days of tastings and wine experiences that are designed to showcase the best of Central Otago.  Up to 40 Central Otago wineries will be involved. 
The programme will continue to provide the winning formula of previous celebrations including the following types of events:

1. A New Zealand masterclass option
2. An expansive tasting showcasing up to 40 participating Central Otago producers
3. A formal tasting of a selection of the most highly sought after wines in the world
4. A cuisine programme that includes experiences in Queenstown’s finest restaurants and lunches at Central Otago’s wineries and vineyards.
5. Night time festivities will live up to the reputation of Queenstown and will provide delegates with the opportunity to partake in fun filled evenings.

A full programme is posted on our website. 

Who attends this Celebration?

It is a consumer-based event with the only prerequisites being a keen appreciation of good wine and food. All types of people have attended our Celebration in the past including international media such as Jancis Robinson MW and Allen Meadows (aka. Burghound).  Many New Zealand and international wine trade figures also attend.  We would encourage all those that are passionate about wine and food to experience this event.

What have past guests said of their Central Otago Experience?

“Central Otago was as friendly and beautiful as ever and, most importantly, the wines seemed to be gaining in subtlety, complexity and longevity.  I also have a particularly fond memory of a miraculously revitalizing pork belly served at one of the lunches at Tatler and a memorable outdoor lunch at Rippon. The guestlist was impressive too. I doubt that at the IPNC this June I’ll be seated next to Barack Obama.”
Jancis Robinson, MW, UK

“I do applaud the way the whole region seems to be happy to pull together for the common cause!”
Jasper Morris, MW, UK

“Your region has a true potential with young vines getting older with time. Furthermore, one can already trace the origin of each of the sub regions (like Bendigo or Gibbston for example) by tasting the wines and this is TERROIR.  Indeed, you have managed to convert me to the cause of Central Otago!”
Jean – Luc Pepin, Domaine de Vogue

“Of all the places that pinot noir is grown and made in the New World, none has lit the sky as brightly as Central Otago in the last decade. There’s a phenomenal energy and dynamis about the region, its wines and its winemakers, all set against the backdrop of just about every extreme and adventure experience available.”
Nick Stock Gourmet Traveller Wine