Here’s a summary of the September 2026 newsletter from The Cellar Club Inc.
Upcoming Event – Del Mundo Argentinian Evening
The focus on Argentinian wines will reflect the country’s strong Italian heritage and traditional winemaking values.
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- Presenter: Lucas Monge
- Date: Wednesday 9 September, 8pm
- Door Price: Members $16 / Guests $22
Wines featured:
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- 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:
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- 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
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- 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:
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- 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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