Summary:

Aotearoa is the contemporary Māori language name for New Zealand. Traversing more than 1,100 kilometres (680 miles), from the rainforests of the north, to the alpine plateaus in the south, New Zealand is one of the world’s most alluring wine producing regions. A country of contrasts, a land rich in lore and home to the most southerly vineyards in the world!

In this webinar we journey to the South Pacific and explore Aotearoa’s unique history in viticulture, distinct wine styles and diverse regions. We discuss the impact of climate change and the many stories that make New Zealand wines some of the most intriguing and sought after.

We recommend coming with the following (optional) New Zealand wines to enjoy during the session:

Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir (Central Otago/Wairarapa), Chardonnay or Riesling.

Presenter: Marc Checkley, WSET

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Marc is an award-winning producer/director, journalist and host, who has combined his passion for storytelling with his love and fascination with wine. Currently based in Switzerland, Marc is a WSET-qualified wine educator/consultant and hosts various wine tasting and education events in Switzerland, UK and the Asia-Pacific. He also writes about wine and food for international media and works with winemakers in New Zealand, Switzerland and elsewhere.

During the global pandemic, Marc hosted more than 30 public and private virtual wine tasting and team-building events. His Facebook LIVE wine and stories series Drink With Me attracted close to 2,000 viewers each week from more than a dozen countries.

For the past three years, he has worked with Gault&Millau, producing and hosting a popular online food & wine series “In English Please?!” seen by more than 120,000 viewers. Marc was also a finalist in the Ruinart Sommelier Challenge in 2019 and 2021.

He lectures in storytelling and communication at César Ritz Hotel School and has judged at some of the most prestigious wine competitions, including Mondial du Chasselas, Vin Suisse and the International Sparkling Wine Awards, London.