Book your tickets early and have something to look forward to next month.
What do you look forward to most about Winetopia?
Catching up with old friends and discovering new wines. I can cover more ground in an afternoon at Winetopia than treading the wine trail for a week.
Who are you excited to see at this year’s event?
(in terms of wineries)? I’m excited to see so many wineries from so many different regions. It’s not fair to single out just a few names from such a lineup of truly rock-star winemakers. It’s hard to know where to start ... and where to stop!
What can we expect from your Winetopia Auckland 2020 masterclasses?
I’ve got a great selection of sparkling wine styles that will showcase the diversity and quality of NZ fizz. “Fun Facts and Serious Sparklers” will focus on the qualities I expect to find in great sparkling wine. “Pick of the Pinots” is all about my favourite wine style, pinot noir. We’ll examine different regional and wine making styles by tasting the best available. “Prestige Masterclass” is an indulgent tasting of the very best wines available at Winetopia. Expect the earth to move very slightly.
Which wines have particularly interested you this year?
I’ve been enjoying wines from the 2019 and 2020 vintages, two spectacular harvests that put a big smile on the faces of most of the country’s winemakers.
FROM THE COUNTRY’S NEWEST MASTER OF WINE, STEPHEN WONG (MW)
“It has become an annual ritual for many wine-loving Kiwis to stock up at Winetopia. I see it as the perfect opportunity for folks outside of the industry to experience what life is like for a wine-buyer, to be presented with a bewildering array of wine from all over New Zealand. The energetic yet casual atmosphere allows the space to talk to wineries and winemakers (often including local wine legends) and get the hottest takes in the wine world straight from the source.
Savvy buyers also use it as an opportunity to stock up for the coming season’s wines based on actual tasting so you know that every bottle in your cellar is exactly your style. Given the breadth and diversity of wineries participating, it’s the equivalent of driving for two weeks around the country visiting cellar doors to cover as many wines as you would in one day at Winetopia. A great chance to fill up the boot of the car for months of enjoyment. I’ve heard so much about how lively the Auckland crowd is, so I’m coming prepared this October.”
ANGIE ATKINSON, THE WINE WRITER @thewinewriternz
“I look forward to Winetopia every year. We’re all there to immerse ourselves in something we’re all passionate about; wine! Presenting at the show is so much fun. I love engaging with everyone who comes along and encouraging them to try wines they aren’t familiar with. Winetopia is the perfect platform to do this, with so many amazing wines all in one place. I can’t wait to see everyone again in October!”