Marlborough to host Sauvignon Blanc NZ 2027
A tasting session at the previous Sauvignon Blanc event hosted in Marlborough in 2016. Photo: Richard Briggs.
Kat Duggan
Marlborough’s winemakers, tourism operators and hospitality providers are gearing up to celebrate the variety that put the region on the world wine map.
Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027, a celebration of the collaboration and creativity that has been poured into the global reputation of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, will take place in this region over three days from February 2-4 next year.
Work has already begun preparing for the arrival of winemakers, buyers, educators, sommeliers, enthusiasts, and journalists who will descend on the region from all over the world for the event.
Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand 2027 committee member and The Marlborist co-founder and winemaker, Richard Ellis, says the event is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Marlborough as a destination.
“Yes, this event is wine-focused, but it will also feature those peripheral Marlborough producers, suppliers and locations,” he says. “We’ve got all of these beautiful producers here that are such a great part of the story and they will get showcased through the event, too.”
Destination Marlborough Business Events Development Manager Anna Hayward says Marlborough provides an amazing backdrop for business events hosted by all industries, with superb infrastructure and capacity within the region offering unique, immersive experiences for visitors.
“We have our metros, our main centres, and Queenstown’s always a buzz, but people have done that and are often looking for something different. With the Marlborough Sounds, the cycle trails, the wine, stunning nature experiences and more, Marlborough gives a diverse and special experience for delegates and their partners,” she says.
To secure a business event that aligns with the region’s core industry was particularly beneficial.
“The wine industry is a key sector and industry for the region, and a business event like this is all about that knowledge economy and knowledge exchange. It is also about legacy, attracting talent, as well as showcasing our own strengths across the wine sector including innovation, research and development,” Anna says.