Discoveries from The Fine Wine Tour of New Zealand: Part 2

Last month, The New Zealand Fine Wine Producers and Atelier Nash curated The Fine Wine Tour of New Zealand for a group of globally renowned wine experts, allowing them to discover and delve deeper into some of the country’s most exceptional wineries. Following years of challenges with travel, this was a brilliant opportunity for some incredible wineries to show the experts their latest vintages in person. Richard Brendon was delighted to support as the official glassware partner for the trip, allowing The Jancis Robinson Wine Glass to showcase some of New Zealand’s best wines to their full potential. 

The second half of the tour included an authentic coastal experience; Blank Canvas co-founder Sophie Parker Thomson MW hosted the group at the iconic Cloudy Bay, appropriately alongside Cloudy Bay clams. Blank Canvas is a true favourite at Richard Brendon; each of their wines are 100% single-vineyard, allowing every bottle to truly reflect the individuality and character of the soil and climate. Discover more about Blank Canvas in our Word From The Winemaker Series, linked here.

Leaving one of the best until last, one of the final stops was at The Valli. In 1993 when Grant Taylor started crafting Pinot Noir in Otago, there were only 20 hectares planted in the region. Now there are 2,000, and Taylor's focus continues to be on capturing the true representations of Otago's sub regions through intensity and purity in flavour. The Valli now have four vineyards to their name; Gibbston, Bannockburn, Bendigo and Waitaki, with each producing exceptional Pinot Noir that reflects the unique properties of the soils and climate across the region. Immerse yourself in The Valli by watching the below video, captured during The Fine Wine Tour of New Zealand and showcasing the versatility of The Jancis Robinson Wine Glass beautifully. 

Stay up to date with the incredible vineyards we work with across the world on our journal and on Instagram at @richardbrendonstudio.