Wine-tasting in New Zealand

Holidaymakers with a passion for wine will not want to miss New Zealand's series of four special events to celebrate one of the country's most popular exports.

The first event is the Syrah Symposium at Hawke's Bay on January 27th 2007.

The symposium will give holidaymakers a chance to taste some of New Zealand's best Syrah wines alongside other international examples.

The event, run by local winemakers, also includes panel discussions with international speakers and tours of the region's vineyards. For more information see www.syrahsymposium.co.nz

If a symposium seems too serious, then there is another opportunity to explore the Hawke's Bay vineyards at your leisure at the Winemaker’s Harvest from February 4th to 6th 2007.

The event is a celebration of the region’s wine and food, with participating wineries inviting visitors to taste their wines, and enjoy the music, workshops and special events on offer. For more information see www.hawkesbaynz.com

However, the biggest of the wine events is set to be Pinot Noir 2007, a four-day event in Wellington that will be a major draw for the world's leading wine producers, commentators, chefs and wine lovers.

Pinot Noir 2007 will also offer tasting opportunities of many wines that do not make it to UK shores, including the promisingly titled 100 Great NZ Pinot Noir Producers tasting event.

The event's chairman, Steve Smith, said: "This event is a must-have on the calendar of anyone with a love of, or involvement with, Pinot Noir."

International speakers and panellists at the event include Brad Farnerie, executive chef at New York's Public restaurant, and leading British wine writer, Matthew Jukes.

As well as providing the opportunity to mingle with wine experts, Pinot Noir 2007 has a culinary programme headed by New Zealand chef Ruth Pretty.

Highlights of social events include a long lunch, cocktail party, and a gala dinner featuring New Zealand produce such as seafood, game and lamb served with local white wines and Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir 2007 takes place from January 29th to February 1st 2007. For more information see www.pinotnoir2007.co.nz

If that's not enough then you can head to the Nelson Aromatics Symposium 2007, at the small South Island village of Upper Moutere on February 3rd.

Winemakers in the region have organised the event as part of an extended programme for those attending Pinot Noir 2007 in Wellington.

Nelson has been described as the home of New Zealand's best Alsatian wine varieties, and the event will feature winemakers presenting the finest varieties, including Riesling and Pinot Gris.

For more information see www.wineart.co.nz/symposium.htmXXX