I consider Pinot Noir the “gateway red” and next Saturday on September 3rd, Pinot Palooza, a celebration of Pinot Noir is coming to Auckland.
Auckland’s first Pinot Palooza features unlimited tastings of 150 wines, 60 producers from New Zealand and Australia. Regions represented are Central Otago, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Waipara Valley, North Canterbury and Nelson.
You may recognise some of the producers such as:
Though there are many more, check out the full list here: http://pinotpalooza.com.au/auckland-your-wine-list/
If you’ve been to any other Bottle Shop Concepts events such as Game of Rhones, then you can expect the same token-free experience. That’s right no tokens meaning you can taste wines to your heart’s content without worrying how many pieces of silver you have left in your pocket.
There will be music, there might even be dancing. Who knows?
Tickets are $60pp which includes an EPIC crystal Plumm RedB Glass (value $35) or VIP tickets which includes early access, a food voucher, a curated tour and a special tasting for $95. Tickets can be purchased online here: http://pinotpalooza.com.au/portfolio/auckland-2016/
- Pinot Palooza
- Saturday 3 September 2016
- Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland
- GA times: 1pm-6pm
- VIP times: 11am-6pm
- GA $60, VIP $95
More info: http://pinotpalooza.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinotPalooza/
(Photos supplied by Bottle Shop Concepts from previous events in Australia)
Bunny Eats Design 
I wish I could fly to Auckland just for this event! I deeply miss NZ Pinot Noirs since I first tasted them at Martinborough. I hope you get to sample many many Pinots and write about them so that I can savour them through your words 😉
Just curious – what is a ‘Gateway red’?
Hi Nigel, I’d define it as an easy to drink red wine that may effectually lead to trying bolder, heavier red wines.
Hi Bunny, respectfully, you need to expand your perception of Pinot Noir. Yes, the simple cheap super market versions are easy drinking, as are varieties like Merlot and Grenache, but the better NZ and French Pinots (Burgundies) can be an amazingly ethereal experience.
Bolder and heavier does not equate to better, just more alcohol, fruit and tannins and less elegance.
Go to Martinborough for a weekend and see for yourself.
Maybe I do. I have tried some high end pinot which as you say were ethereal, but $175 a bottle isn’t something I can indulge in regularly. I prefer the bolder reds but would love to spend a weekend in Martinborough or Central Otago or Marlborough to get more intimate with wine. Until then, it’s supermarket and restaurants…