Key takeaways from the March 2026 newsletter.
March Event: Penfolds Tasting
March Event: Penfolds Tasting- Date: Wed 11 March, 8pm
- Cost: Members $18 / Guests $22
- Format: Panel tasting comparing aged cellar wines vs recent vintages.
- Lineup highlights: Bin 28 (2006 & 2023), Bin 128 (2007 & 2022), Bin 9 (2012), Bin 138 (2012).
- Extras: Prize draw for 2006 Bin 28 or 2007 Bin 128.
Club Notices
- Health: Stay home if unwell.
- In Memoriam: Former member Mark Haythornthwaite has passed; his 2024 Pinot Noir will be used for a tribute toast.
Recent Event Recap: Askerne (Hawke’s Bay)
- Attendance: 35 members.
- Insights: Askerne farms 32ha with 18 varieties; mostly hand‑picked; global wine consumption down to 1961 levels, but NZ exports up 1%.
- Tasted wines: Rosé 2025, Chardonnay 2024, Viognier 2023, Pinot Gris 2024, CSM 2023, Reserve Merlot/Cab/Malbec 2021, Dessert Cab 2022.
Committee musings
- Membership drive: Encourage guests; highlight easy access to train/bus.
- Volunteers: Thanks for setup/pack‑down help.
Coming Up
- April: Gold Medal/Trophy Wines (2025 NZIWS)
- May: AGM
- June: TBC
Feature: Halite Wines (Haidee Johnson)
- Philosophy: Minimal‑intervention, expressive wines; organic growers; focus on Pinot Noir’s versatility.
- Signature wine: Light Dry White — Pinot Noir made in a Chardonnay style (Abel clone).
Industry News
- Millton Winery closing after 41 vintages; final wines discounted.
- Te Awanga Estate group liquidation: $12m owed; wine club shipments stopped.
- Wine Grenade liquidation: Tech company collapse due to IT failure; $475k owed.
Vineyard Visit: Swift Wines (Hawke’s Bay)
- Experience: Casual lawn seating, platter‑basket system, rosé slushies, two sparkling wines.
- Fun detail: Dachshund mascot appears on labels and greets visitors.
View the full newsletter below.
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