Clyde, Central Otago, New Zealand – 30th November 2023

Monte Christo Winery, the birthplace of Central Otago wine, is thrilled to announce its grand opening, inviting wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike to explore the rich heritage of New Zealand winemaking and enjoy a unique guest experience. Located in the heart of Central Otago, Monte Christo Winery promises to be a destination like no other.

The history of Monte Christo Winery dates back to 1864 when French pioneer Jean Désiré Féraud planted grapevines and later produced the first wines in Central Otago, setting the stage for what would become a thriving winemaking region. Féraud’s innovative spirit and vision laid the foundation for irrigation, viticulture, and winemaking in the region.

Today, the Paris family, the current custodians of the property, are committed to producing some of the world’s most distinguished Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines using organic, sustainable, and regenerative farming methods on their 22 hectares of vineyards.

The Paris family is dedicated to raising awareness of Central Otago wines on the world stage, and by restoring the winery building and continuing Féraud’s legacy, they are contributing to the region’s growth and recognition.

The inaugural wine releases include limited-production 2023 Central Otago Rosé, 2023 Central Otago Pinot Gris, 2022 Central Otago Chardonnay, 2022 Central Otago Pinot Noir, 2022 Alexandra Pinot Noir, and 2022 Bannockburn Pinot Noir. There is also a second label, 2022 CENTRAL Pinot Noir.

There’s something for everyone at Monte Christo Winery. The grounds include plenty of outdoor seating, a play area for children, and a pétanque or bocce court. There will be an unveiling of an underground wine cellar later this summer with space for larger group functions, private events, and more.

Open 7 days a week in the summer months from 10am – 6pm, guests at Monte Christo Winery can expect a memorable experience that includes:

CELLAR DOOR

Monte Christo’s cellar door is housed in the original stone winery, meticulously restored in collaboration with Heritage New Zealand. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, wine education and genuine Southern family hospitality.

EAT

Monte Christo offers a delightful, relaxed culinary experience at “Fritzy,” the food trailer café. Our in-house chef uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a range of specialty sandwiches, artisanal pizzas, platters, snacks, and barista-made coffee. The outdoor garden provides the perfect setting to relax, enjoy a light snack or lunch, and savour a glass of wine.

STAY

Stay at the historic Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago. Well-appointed guest cottages offer the perfect retreat for couples, friends, and families alike. Cottage amenities include luxury furnishings, fully self-contained kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and outdoor patios.

For more information and bookings, please visit www.montechristowinery.co.nz or contact +64 3 664 6644.

About Monte Christo Winery

Monte Christo Winery is the birthplace of Central Otago wine, with a rich history dating back to 1864 when the first grapevines were planted in the region. The Paris family, current custodians of the property, are committed to producing distinguished Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines using organic, sustainable, and regenerative farming methods on their 22 hectares of vineyards. The meticulously restored original stone winery now stands as a testament to Central Otago’s winemaking heritage.

Media Release on 30 November 2023

Media Contact
Ryann Calder, Monte Christo Winery
ryann.calder@montechristowinery.co.nz
027 228 7781
www.montechristowinery.co.nz

MIL OSI

Andrea Martinisi placed 2nd at the ASI Association of Sommeliers Asia-Oceania Competition in Tokyo. This competition is the most important international event for wine and beverage professionals working in restaurants and hotels in Asia and Oceania. Held every three years, 24 candidates from 13 countries lined up for the 2022 contest.

Over two days candidates worked through a series of assessments and practical service tasks to challenge and showcase their sommelier skills,

The New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals is very proud of Andrea’s achievement and our second candidate, Marek Pryzborek was also a semi-finalist.

“It takes a lot of motivation and dedication to prepare and put yourself up for such competitions, says Andrea Martinisi.

“I was fortunate to compete for New Zealand at the 2019 World Best Sommelier Competition and I learnt so much from this event that I was determined to do the best I could in the Asia Oceania Competition. This is also a great help for my preparation for the World Competition in February.

“Standing on a stage, thinking on your feet, because you’re not sure what the next task will be, while being filmed and live-streamed is daunting but it’s also exciting to be personally challenged is such ways. I am very grateful for this opportunity,” comments Andrea Martinisi.

Andrea will go forward to compete at the ASI World Best Sommelier Competition in Paris in February 2023.

Winners
1st Mason Ng, Singapore
2nd Andrea Martinisi, New Zealand
3rd Loic Avril, Australia
About Andrea
Originally from Italy, Andrea is Beverage Director of Michael Dearth’s The Grove Restaurant in Auckland City.

Following high school, Andrea trained as an electrician and ended up in UK working for Heston Blumenthal at The Fat Duck. Later, he worked for the legendary Gerard Basset MS, MW at Hotel TerraVina, near Southampton. Andrea is a permanent resident of New Zealand.

The New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association is a non-profit registered society supporting people working in wine and hospitality in New Zealand. It is a member of ASI Association of Sommeliers International who run regular competitions around the world.

Media Release 14 November 2022.

MIL OSI

The NZ National Wine Tasting Competition Final was a tightly contested race for the top score. With 8 wines and 40 questions, the top 5 slots rotated regularly with the Canterbury Team of CP Lin, Ashley Stewart, Tony Dale and Michael Ormandy winning by 964 points or just one question. Our Bubble of 4 in the OPEN category came 2nd with team members Allister Mora, Silvia Rueckschnat, Dave Anderson and Robyn Lansdaal. In 3rd place were the Hawkes Bay team of Sue Fox-Warren, Yvonne Lorkin, Nick Stewart and Hannes Sohnge.

Celia Hay, chair of New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association comments.

“This is the first time that our association has run a wine tasting competition and we are delighted to see the interest around New Zealand which included 12 teams competing in Martinborough.

We are selecting wines from well-known regions that have recognisable styles so that people who regularly taste wine should have a reasonable chance to identify the wines that we pour. The wines are different at each competition.

These days we use a digital app to present the questions and the teams of 4 use a mobile phone to ‘tap’ their answers.

It’s fun and provides a unique environment to test wine knowledge. We will continue to offer the competition each year.

The New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association is a non-profit registered society supporting people working in wine and hospitality in New Zealand. It is a member of ASI Association of Sommeliers International who run regular competitions around the world.

White wines tasted

Badenhorst ‘Secateurs’ Chenin Blanc 2020 – Swartland, South Africa
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Marlborough, NZ
Hospice de Colmar Riesling 2016 – Alsace, France
Villa Maria Ihumātao Chardonnay 2018, Auckland, NZ
Red wines

Dominique Piron, Fleurie 2019, Beaujolais, France
Giesen Clayvin Syrah 2019, Marlborough, NZ
Hans Herzog, Spirit of Marlborough 2015, NZ
Peter Lehmann, The Barossan Shiraz, 2018, Barossa, Australia

1st Place: Canterbury: Ashley Stewart, CP Lin, Tony Dale, Michael Ormandy

2nd Place: Auckland OPEN: Robyn Lansdaal, Dave Anderson, Silvia Rueckschnat, Allister Mora

3rd Place: Hawkes Bay: Sue Fox-Warren, Yvonne Lorkin, Nick Stewart, Hannes Sohnge

Media Release 10 August 2021.

MIL OSI

Andrea Martinisi wins the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2021 working through a full day of assessments to challenge and showcase sommelier skills held at the New Zealand School of Food and Wine, Auckland. 

Originally from Italy, Andrea is General Manager and Head Sommelier of The Grove Restaurant, Auckland and was able to demonstrate his technical knowledge along with outstanding communication skills to win the trophy.

The programme included a theory assessment followed by the Blind Tasting of 2 wines in 15 minutes: Saint Clair Pioneer Block Gewurztraminer 2020 from Marlborough and from Spain, Muga Seleccion Especial Rioja 2016. The Practical Restaurant Scenario required contestants to decant a bottle of Te Mata Awatea 2018 and provide food pairing in 5 minutes. The Practical also featured a blind tasting of 4 spirits.

Three candidates went forward to the Final and Andrea competed with Angela Allan, sommelier and manager of Culprit Restaurant and Suraj GC, sommelier at Onemata, Park Hyatt Hotel.

The New Zealand Sommeliers and Wine Professionals Association is a non-profit registered society supporting people working in wine and hospitality in New Zealand. It is a member of ASI Association of Sommeliers International who run regular competitions around the world. In 2022, the Asia-Oceania Best Sommelier Competition will be held in Australia.

Media Release 4 August 2021.

MIL OSI