We have had an incredible month of welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe (a number of you who subscribe to this journal) following the thought-provoking Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 event held in Christchurch last month.
This gathering of over 400 producers, international media and industry leaders explored the past, present, and future of New Zealand Pinot Noir and sparked important conversations about sustainability, the challenges and opportunities in global markets, and how we continue to define our own sense of place through our wines.
A recurring theme was the need for New Zealand producers to consider regenerative viticulture and share their experiences more openly. Having embraced these practices for many years, we’ll be sharing more of our regen-story through Pleasure ▪ Culture ▪ Craft – not as a definitive guide, but as an ever-evolving journey.
As farmers and custodians of New Zealand's unique landscapes, we were also reminded of our responsibility to protect our special places. A sentiment that resonated with us came from Mimi Casteel of Hopewell Wines, "We have to work harder than anyone else has ever worked. But that is a gift."
In the coming months, we’ll be sharing our own thoughts, learnings and ideas prompted by the presentations, panels and conversations held at the event. But for this issue of Pleasure ▪ Culture ▪ Craft, we have Steve sharing his excitement for the first pick of Chardonnay in Hawke’s Bay, an article by David Kermode in Club Oenologique on Why New Zealand Chardonnay deserves the spotlight and of course, our latest releases – the 2024 Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Albariño, a one-off Chardonnay from the Waitaki Valley and the very first Chardonnay from our Central Otago vineyard in the Lowburn Valley, the 2023 Pyramid Valley Mānatu Chardonnay.
Until next month’s ‘bumper’ quarterly issue, enjoy!
Steve Smith MW Natalie Grace
Editor at Large Chief Editor