Tag: argentina

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Newsletter September 26

Here’s a summary of the September 2026 newsletter from The Cellar Club Inc.

Upcoming Event – Del Mundo Argentinian Evening

Drawing of Lucas in action at a wine tasting
Lucas Monge, Founder of ‘Del Mundo’, (image: Del Mundo)

The focus on Argentinian wines will reflect the country’s strong Italian  heritage and traditional winemaking values.

    • Presenter: Lucas Monge
    • Date: Wednesday 9 September, 8pm
    • Door Price: Members $16 / Guests $22

 

Wines featured:

    • Welcome Wine: Senta – Italian semi‑sparkling, bottle‑fermented.
    • 2025 San Felipe Classic Malbec Rosé
    • San Felipe Chardonnay Barrel Select
    • 2023 Rutini Chardonnay
    • 2024 Trumpeter Malbec
    • 2023 Rutini Cabernet–Malbec
    • 2023 Rutini Malbec

Orders on the night will be confirmed via email with a secure payment link.

Raffle Prize: A bottle of Rutini Malbec valued at $65.

Looking Back – Riverby Estate Evening

Presenter Kevin Courtenay provided industry updates, noting a decline in global wine consumption leading to some vineyards closing or downsizing. Vineyard removal costs about $6,000 per hectare.

Riverby exports 80% of production (mainly Sauvignon Blanc) to Korea and other markets. Their wines aim for citrusy flavours and a slightly dry finish.

Wines tasted included:

    • RE Grüner Veltliner 2024
    • RE Pinot Gris 2025
    • OVB Sauvignon/Semillon 2021
    • Cicada Gewurztraminer 2025
    • Sali’s Block Riesling
    • RE Pinot Noir 2022
    • PRE Reserve Pinot Noir 2023

Looking Ahead

    • October: JK Wines – Italian wines
    • November: Beach House – Hawke’s Bay
    • December: Christmas Dinner at The Wellington Club
    • Members previously requested a mid‑year local event and a more special Christmas celebration. Committee seeks early indication of numbers.

Wine News – J’Ville Club French Wine Evening

Members attended a French wine tasting hosted by Johnsonville Club and Del Mondo.  Wines sampled:

    • 2023 Le Blanc de Laubespin (Cabernet Sauvignon – white wine)
    • 2024 Rosé de Laubespin
    • 2020 Les Charmes (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot, classic Bordeaux style)
    • 2021 Chateau Carmenere Grand Vin (Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Carmenere)
    • 2020 Audace (Carmenere 100%, aged 42 months in oak, only ~500 bottles produced)

Industry News

Marlborough Wine & Food Festival (NZ’s longest‑running) cancelled for 2027
First held in 1985; organisers have placed it “on hold”.

Gisborne: More than half of Gisborne vineyards removed after Indevin ceased operations.  Reflects global decline in wine demand. Oversupply from 2024–2025 vintages being corrected. Despite challenges, fruit‑forward Gisborne whites remain in demand internationally.

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Newsletter August ’26

Here’s a summary of the August 2026 newsletter from The Cellar Club Inc.

Event Announcement

    • Riverby Estate Tasting Night
      • Date: Wednesday, 12 August, 8pm
      • Location: Marlborough’s Jacksons Road
      • Door Price: Members $12 / Guests $16
      • Riverby Estate is a family-owned vineyard with a history dating back over 100 years
      • Wines featured include Gruner Veltliner 2024, Sauv/Semillon White Blend 2021, Pinot Gris 2025, Cicada Gewurztraminer 2025, Sali’s Block Riesling, Pinot Noir 2022, and Reserve Pinot Noir 2023.

Club Updates

  • Ordering Process: Orders for Riverby wines will be taken during the event, with payment to The Cellar Club the next day for delivery
  • Health Reminder: Members are encouraged not to attend if feeling unwell.

Recent Events

  • Johnsonville Dinner
    • 34 attendees enjoyed a buffet-style meal with roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, and dessert
    • The seating arrangement encouraged mingling and conversation
    • Thanks extended to Chrissy and the Johnsonville Club team.

Committee News

  • The mid-winter meal will remain local and hearty, while the Christmas meal will be more fine dining
  • Appreciation for members who help with setup and cleanup.

Upcoming Events

  • September: Del Mundo – Wines from Argentina
  • October: JK 14 Wines – Wines from Italy
  • November: Beach House Wines, Hawkes Bay
  • December: Christmas Dinner (Wednesday, 9th December)

Membership

  • Annual subscription ($25) is now due. Payment can be made via bank transfer or at the August tasting.

Wine Industry News

  • NZ Winter 2026
    • Mixed conditions, but excellent fruit quality in most regions
    • Central Otago faced frosts and delays, but fruit is promising
    • Industry challenges include lost contracts and unharvested blocks, especially in Gisborne and North Canterbury
    • Marlborough faces uncertainty with uncontracted blocks
    • Optimism remains for increased production due to demand.
  • California Crisis
    • Many vineyards are burning vines due to oversupply and declining demand
    • 30% of Sonoma County grapes went unsold; widespread vineyard abandonment.

Next Johnsonville Club Event

  • French Wine & Cheese Night
    • Date: Monday, 10 August
    • Location: 1 Norman Lane, Johnsonville
    • Price: $30 per person
    • Features premium French wine tastings and cheese selection.
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Newsletter July ’26

Here’s a summary of the July 2026 newsletter for The Cellar Club Inc:

Club Mid-Year Dinner

  • Event: Mid-Year Dinner at The Johnsonville Club, Vista Cafe, Wellington.
  • Date/Time: Arrive at 6:30pm for dinner at 7pm.
  • Details: B.Y.O. event—members are encouraged to bring wine from their own cellars. The club is subsidizing the buffet cost (members pay $55) and providing bubbles on arrival. The venue is local due to the current fuel crisis.
  • Transport: Public transport options (train and bus) are available nearby. There are 50 parking spaces after 5pm, but carpooling or public transport is encouraged.

Recent Event Recap

  • Margrain Vineyard Tasting: Hosted by Kate Throp, featuring several Margrain wines. The event was well-attended (29 members) and included discounted wine sales.
  • Wines Tasted: Margrain La Michelle Methode Traditionelle, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Rivers Edge Pinot, and Home Block Pinot.

Upcoming Events

  • Margrain Cellar Dwellers Tastings: Special tastings of aged wines in August and September. No bookings required; $25–$30 per person.
  • August: Riverby, Marlborough tasting.
  • September: Likely a focus on wines of Argentina.
  • October: J K Wines.

Club Updates

  • Bottle Tops Collection: The club has stopped collecting bottle tops; members are encouraged to use supermarket recycling. The last collection raised $132.60 for The Kidney Kids organisation.
  • Membership Subscriptions: Now due for the year starting July 1 ($25 per person). Payment can be made via bank transfer or in cash to Wayne Kennedy.

Other Information

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