Newsletters

We send out a newsletter, the Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine, every few months. To subscribe, click here.

To read previous issues click on the links below:

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Welcome to the May 2010 issue of the Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine.


IN THIS ISSUE

GLADSTONE VINEYARD COMES OF AGE

NEW RELEASES IN NEW PACKAGING

HIGH FIVE FOR GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR

VINTAGE 2010

WHAT'S ON

 

   GLADSTONE VINEYARD COMES OF AGE

The name is the same and the wines are better than ever but we felt the time was right for a change.  Having lived with our old identity for nearly a quarter of a century, Gladstone Vineyard has come of age with its own unique logo – our new symbol of enduring excellence...

Established in 1986, Gladstone Vineyard was the first of a cluster of boutique wineries to emerge on the old riverbed of the Ruamahanga River, in Gladstone, in the heart of the Wairarapa. We aim to craft beautiful wines of exceptional quality, with a richness that expresses the individuality of the soil and outstanding exposure of our vineyards. We are immensely proud of our position in the world of wine and felt the time was right to create a fresh new look for our growing brand. We needed a distinctive symbol that could carry the Gladstone Vineyard story to the world.

And so our new logo was born.

You will note the emphasis on our name – Gladstone Vineyard. Gladstone is a growing wine region but there is only one Gladstone Vineyard.  Watch out for our new branding on our labels, website, packaging and advertising over the next few months.

 

 


NEW RELEASES NEW LABELS

The first of our wines in their 'new clothes' has just been released, the Gladstone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and the Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Gris 2009.  These beautiful and elegant wines follow in the footsteps of their illustrious predecessors. 

Handcrafted with elegance, style and texture these wines are true to the vineyard.  These are now available to purchase at cellar door or direct from our website.

 


HIGH FIVE FOR GLADSTONE VINEYARD PINOT NOIR

 

Gladstone Vineyard’s Pinot Noir has scooped gold for a fifth consecutive year, collecting its latest accolade from one of the most prestigious and influential independent wine competitions, the International Wine Challenge in London.   We are  thrilled to receive recognition for the 2008 Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir at such a well regarded competition.  But we’re even more elated that this award cements Gladstone Vineyard’s record for consistently producing Pinot Noir at the top level. It’s proof – if we needed it – that Wairarapa Pinot Noir ranks among the world’s best.

The judges described Gladstone Vineyard’s Pinot Noir 2008 as “Lovely, smoky bacon and vegetal character. Soft, quivering mid palate. Lots of fruit delivery and lovely tannins. Excellent expression of Pinot.”

The International Wine Challenge is a renowned international wine contest, which takes place annually in London. With more than 10,000 entries, it is the biggest blind tasting in the world.   Don't miss out, buy some of this world beating Pinot Noir here!

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VINTAGE 2010

 

Vintage 2010 harvest promised much for an unabated record of world beating Pinot Noir.  After a cool summer, autumn was warm and benign and let the fruit ripen nicely. The weather was magnificent during harvest, enabling us to pick when we wanted to optimise fruit flavours and ripeness. The longer, cooler ripening period encourages good flavour development in the grapes at lower potential alcohol levels, so we are optimistic for very good quality wines from 2010.

These conditions made for a slightly longer and later, but very relaxed harvest.  Gerhard was joined in the winery by Craig Anderson, a Kiwi who had found himself working in big Australian wineries and was needing to get back to the 'real oil'.  Kyle and his regular vineyard crew of Shane and Vicky took my nephew Iain, from Scotland, under their wing, out here on some OE after university.

We decided to start any machine harvesting around 4am this year.  This means we have the advantage of picking the fruit at a reasonably cool temperature, and also that we start the run of several press cycles around 6.30am and can work most of it through the day and early evening.  It does mean an early start for all, particularly for the vineyard team.  No wonder that tummies are rumbling around 9.30am on these days.  My big brekkie became a bit of a favourite - bacon, eggs, beans, sausages, mushrooms and hash browns were much enjoyed.  Next year we'll introduce them all to some black pudding too! 

 

   

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WHAT'S ON

We've got some great events at the Gladstone Vineyard Café this winter, including:

  • Ray Henwood’s ‘All the World's a Stage' on Friday 25 June 6.30pm - tickets $60 for the show and 3-course dinner.
  • A Schoc Chocolate Degustation Dinner on Friday 9 July -  a gastronomic extravaganza of winter-warming food married with Greytown's divine Schoc chocolate and matched with our own superb wines. Details TBC.

Bookings are essential - call 06 379 8563 or email us

We've taken the opportunity with changes in our website to update our updates!  We will now be sending out two updates - the main Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine (this one) which will be sent out every few months and a What's Happening update to let locals know of events here at Gladstone Vineyard.  I've taken the liberty of subscribing all 'local' people (if I have those details, from Palmerston North to Bulls and down to Wellington) to the local events mailing list.  You can change what newsletter(s) you get (subscribe or unsubscribe) at any time on our website.

Thanks for your ongoing support of Gladstone Vineyard and our wines.  It's good to have you with us!


Yours aye



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Welcome to the June 2010 issue of What's Happening at Gladstone Vineyard.


IN THIS ISSUE

 

LADIES WHO LUNCH

BRASSERIE ONE DINNER

RAY HENWOOD AT GV

CHOCOHOLIC NIGHT OUT

WHAT'S ON IN AUGUST

 

 

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING

 

The weather may be awful, but we've got some exceptional reasons to wrap up and head on out!  We hope to see you soon at one or other of these events (or more...)


LADIES WHO LUNCH

Make a date in your diary to catch up with your friends at the Gladstone Vineyard Cafe on the 3rd Thursday of the month  (that's this week, Thursday 17th June).  Kelli, from Xtreme Nails will be there to give you a complementary manicure if you lunch with us.  Go on, treat yourself, and your nails - you know you deserve it.

 


BRASSERIE ONE DEGUSTATION DINNER

We're proud to have been selected by Jurgen Synman to partner him in a very special chef and winemaker's degustation dinner this Friday 18th June at Brasserie One in Martinborough.

As David Burton said in his recent review in the Dominion Post:

"Jurgen Synman is vying with Wendy Campbell at the French Bistro and Kent Baddeley at Parehua Country Estate to produce the very best cuisine in the Wairarapa; so to call this restaurant Brasserie One is not so much cheeky as possibly true. "

Jurgen is cooking a very special dinner, starting with canapés and a glass of bubbles, then followed by five courses, each matched with one of our Gladstone Vineyard wines, for only $135 per person.  There are very few places left for this amazing night.  Contact Sharon or Jurgen on 06 306 9800 to book your seat now.

 


ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE WITH RAY HENWOOD

Enjoy Ray Henwood's much acclaimed "All the World's a Stage" fireside at the Gladstone Vineyard cafe on Friday 25 June from 6.30pm.  This is Ray's solo Shakespeare show, a "Round-the-Bard trip" in 90 minutes.  Join him as we meet Romeo, Shylock, Prospero, Hamlet and a host of other enchanting characters sure to surprise and thrill you.  It will be a great night out  and tickets are only $60 for a three course dinner and the show.  Bookings are essential  - call 06 379 8563 or email us.

 


CHOCOHOLIC? THIS IS THE NIGHT FOR YOU!

You might need to get in training for our  Schoc Chocolate Degustation Dinner on Friday 9 July.  This will be a gastronomic extravaganza of winter-warming food married with Greytown's divine Schoc Chocolate matched with our own superb wines.  Tickets $110 per person.  Spaces are limited so book now on 06 379 8563 or email us.

 


COMING UP IN AUGUST

After a hugely successful first year, Wellington on a Plate is back from 14 - 29 August.  Gladstone Vineyard is proud to be both a dine partner and event partner.  Details will be announced in early July.  Check out Wellington on a Plate or our website for more details shortly.


Yours aye



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Welcome to the September 2010 issue of the Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine.


IN THIS ISSUE

DAFFODIL SUNDAY

NEW RESERVE WINES

TOP REVIEWS

SPECIAL OFFER

WAIRARAPA WINE CELLAR

WE NEED YOU AS A JUDGE

CHRISTINE'S CHATTER

WLG POP UP IN SYDNEY

COMING UP


 

   WELCOME TO SPRING!

As I write this, the wind is howling, a frost alarm has been sent (but we don't have bud burst for another week), and yet the daffodils are out, and the weekend weather was beautiful.

Spring is here, we can expect the unexpected.  But how irrelevant it is to be worrying about the weather, when we look at what has happened in Canterbury.  Our thoughts go out to friends and customers affected by the quake.

 

 



DAFFODIL SUNDAY

For us here at Gladstone Vineyard, the spring season kicks on Daffodil Sunday.  The second Sunday of September every year, is when our ever generous neighbours, the Booth family, open up their farm for hundreds of visitors to wander and pick from their field of daffodils, with all proceeds going to local charities.  This year the steam train is back on a special schedule to the Wairarapa so people can really make a day of it.  Come over to the Gladstone Vineyard cafe pre- or post- pick for a light lunch, glass of wine or coffee - tractor rides from the gate are available for young and old alike.  And the inside word from Jenny Booth is that the daffodils are at their best this year.  So see you this Sunday 12th September
 



NEW RESERVE WINES

Have you seen our wonderful new Reserve range of wines?  Thanks to Stan, our talented designer, our limited release reserve wines are now packaged in a style that befits them.

First up is the new Sophie's Choice 2009

Back by popular demand, and only its second vintage, this special Fumé Blanc is a limited release of 100% barrel fermented and barrel aged Sauvignon Blanc.  Named after our loyal retriever, Sophie, (now 14 and slowing due to her arthritic joints) this wine is made from our oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines, carefully handpicked from our home block.  Fermented and aged in French oak for 11 months, we have only made 80 cases of this wine. 

Up next is the Auld Alliance 2008.

 Fittingly, the superb 2008 vintage has achieved Reserve status.  From a top vintage, this wine has been made from a special selection of Bordeaux varieties. The final blend is 59 percent Cabernet Franc, 16.5 percent each of Merlot and Malbec and 8 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine has luxurious aromas of berry fruit, integrated oak and soft spices.  It is dense, yet youthful with a broad palate and a long finish.  You can enjoy it now or cellar for up to 10 years.

Both these wines are available to purchase at cellar door or from our website.

 



TOP INTERNATIONAL REVIEWS

Our Gladstone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris have both recently received rave reviews from around the world.

The Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Gris has been rated highly in the UK, Canada and here in New Zealand.  Joanna Simon, wine writer for the UK Sunday Times, reckons its one of New Zealand's best, and our own Michael Cooper says this "full-bodied, distinctly Alsace-style pinot gris.............(is) already delicious."  It's a wine worthy of the lineage of great Gladstone Vineyard pinot gris.

And the Sauvignon Blanc, (a sauvignon blanc for non sauvignon drinkers) has just won a silver medal at the Concours Mondial du Sauvignon.  As is our style, the wine has got great weight and fruit, but also has an interesting minerality, typical of our terroir.  Click here  for renowned British wine writer, Simon Woods' take on the wine. 

Again, both these wines are available to purchase at cellar door or from our website.

 


 

SPECIAL OFFER FOR OUR GRAPEVINE SUBSCRIBERS

It's got to go...!

The last of the Gladstone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2008, still drinking well, with minerality palate weight and class...

It is the last of the GV SB's in the old packaging - so one for the cellar.  Only 50 cases left, and selling at just $119 / case to make room for the new vintage GV wines.  Call us now on 06 379 8563 to secure your entitlement.

 


 

WAIRARAPA WINE CELLAR OPENS IN GREYTOWN

We are proud to be part of  a group of vineyard and winery owners who are turning the old Greytown library into a wine centre to showcase what Wairarapa has to offer.  Greytown is not known as a vineyard town, but being at the hub of the Wairarapa tourism, it is an ideal place to promote Wairarapa wines and the region as a whole.
 
Instead of pruning in the past weeks, many of the group have been hard at work refurbishing, lifting carpets, painting, installing heating, counters, computers and more for the opening of the wine centre in early October.  The Wairarapa Wine Cellar will be a new cellar door for the region, providing a promotional venue for the wine industry and for tourism across the region.

While there has been a huge effort by many people, the driver behind the project who has made it all happen is Karl Johner of Johner Estate, so thanks Karl, for getting us all on board!  Click here for more details or become a friend on facebook

 

 


 

 

WE NEED YOU AS A JUDGE

Wines from 36 of New Zealand's premier vineyards - including Gladstone Vineyard - have been chosen for entry into the The New Zealand Week 2010 Wine Awards

These are the People’s Choice Awards, so you have an opportunity to become a judge yourself.  It’s really worth registering and having a good look around. This is going to change how wines receive the accolades they do (or don’t) deserve - it’s all in your hands!  Click here to check it out now.


 

 

CHRISTINE'S CHATTER

The wine industry is regularly in the news these days.  It's hard to get away from articles about the financial woes affecting grapegrowers and wineries alike.  These are certainly challenging times.  People who have been in the industry for 25 years believe this is the hardest it has ever been. 

In my view, it's all part of New Zealand's "production" mentality.  We've seen it before - goats, kiwifruit, venison and more....  The wine industry will survive, and will come through this in a stronger position.  There will be casualties, and it won't (unfortunately) necessarily be fair who survives and who doesn't.  But we all have to be light on our feet at the moment, keep flexible, keep producing top quality wine (that's a given), continue to develop and protect our key brands, and give top service to our customers.  It must be easy, surely!!  In a world of overproduction, cost cutting and recession, it's hard work. 

Here at Gladstone Vineyard, we are all working hard to continue to produce world class wine.  Our new branding reinforces our story and the pride and sense of our place in the world of wine.  As the first and foremost wine producer in the exciting and developing Gladstone region, we have a powerful story and produce exciting wines which reflect the amazing terroir of the Ruamahanga terraces. 

It's also a time to work together, to share costs and to seize opportunities, to remember that the whole can be bigger and better than the sum of the parts.  That is another reason we are pleased to be a part of the Wairarapa Wine Cellar.

 



WLG POP UP RESTAURANT HITS SYDNEY

We're proud to be part of Positively Wellington Tourism's latest venture in Sydney - the WLG pop up restaurant that will showcase the best of Wellington and it's neighbours' food scene for two weeks only 14-26 September

So Sydney-siders, and anyone lucky enough to be visiting Sydney later this month, be sure to pop in to Bayswater Brasserie, 32 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross.

For more information, click here.



COMING UP AT GLADSTONE VINEYARD

Christmas functions
Do you know how many days it is to Christmas?  Scarily I saw a notice about Christmas posting dates at the post office the other day!  So it must be time to arrange your end of year work or family or friends outing...

We are now taking bookings for end of year functions. With our beautiful setting amongst the vines, we can offer you an unforgettable day.  We have a selection of Christmas menus designed by our award winning chef Zane Saba.   Not only can we offer you superb food and wine, we can also organise the following for you:

  • Winery tour and tasting  
  • Clay bird shooting   
  • Petanque   
  • Corporate gifts

Email Tanda for more information or give her a call on 06 379 8563.

Regular events

  • Every third Thursday of the month,  "Ladies who Lunch" with us will receive a complimentary mini manicure.  Next up: Thursday 16 September 
  • Live music every third Sunday of the month.  Next up: Wairarapa's finest, Barry Saunders kicks off Spring - Sunday 19 September

Bookings recommended - call 06 379 8563 or email us.

Summer at Gladstone Vineyard
And looking ahead to  the summer, we have lots of exciting things happening at (or near) Gladstone Vineyard.  Some dates for your diary include:
  • Summer Shakespeare back 3-5 February 2011
  • The Topp Twins Winery Tour, Friday 11 February 2011
  • 'Sculpture in the Park' comes to GV 12 - 13 March 2011
  • Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival, 19 March 2011

More details to follow, or keep an eye on our website for details.



Thanks for your ongoing support of Gladstone Vineyard and our wines.  It's good to have you with us.

Yours aye



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Welcome to the November 2010 issue of the Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine.


IN THIS ISSUE

TOP PINOT TROPHY

CELLAR CLUB

NEW RELEASE WINES

 

  GLADSTONE VINEYARD GRAPEVINE

I'm just back in the door from a sales trip up to Asia where among other things, I attended the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair with my two daughters Lyn and Gail.  They returned home earlier in the week with two rather precarious carry-on items – hand-painted glass decanters which represent the trophies won for our 2009 Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir. 

It was a thrill to not only win the awards, but to be there in person to receive them, and share the celebrations with family.  David was woken by a 4am text message back home!  Asia has huge potential as a market for us, and Hong Kong is currently one of our biggest importers, so this win is a real coup and a credit to the hard work and commitment of everyone at the vineyard.



TOP PINOT TROPHY


So now for the details... our Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 won two trophies at the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition – for Best Pinot Noir and Best New World Pinot Noir.

We also won a gold medal for our Pinot Noir for Best Wine with Peking Duck (I'll need to get Zane on to that at the café!) and picked up bronzes for our 2009 Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition is the largest Asian wine competition, with over 1300 entries received from around the world.   Run in partnership with the renowned London-based International Wine & Spirit Competition, it is the only international wine competition to feature all Asian-born, Asian-based judges - reflecting the unique tastes and consumption preferences of the Asian market.

Our 2009 Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir is just about to be released - so keep an eye on our website for purchase details, or sign up to our Cellar Club (below) to be the first to sample this dual trophy-winning wine. 

 



CELLAR CLUB

To recognise our most loyal supporters, we've recently set up the Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club – offering savings of up to 30% off retail prices, and the convenience of a regular delivery to your door of our award-winning Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines.

As a Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club member, a case of select seasonal Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines will be couriered to you every three months.  Other benefits include discounts at cellar door and at our café, access to pre release and limited edition wines and cellar stock, and exclusive member-only events.

Membership is $250 (incl GST) per delivery, for a minimum of 12 months (or 4 deliveries).   Sign up now, and the first delivery will include a pre-release bottle of the trophy winning Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009.

For more information or to sign up, click here.
 

Tis THE SEASON... new release wines 

First up is the Gladstone Vineyard Rosé 2010.   It's summer in a glass, perfect to enjoy over lunch with friends.  Our supplies are limited this year, due to the cooler 2010 vintage, so make sure you get your share early – it won't last the summer.

Back again, after a year's absence, is the lean and mineral Gladstone Vineyard Riesling 2010.   A beautifully structured wine with floral and citrus aromas, this wine can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 10 years.

And finally, for a bit of fun at cellar door, we have a limited release of Gladstone Vineyard Bubbles 2009.    Fresh and sparkling, made from Sauvingon Blanc and Pinot Gris, these "bubbles" have a freshness and good flavours.  So when it's time to celebrate - birthdays, anniversaries, or just being here for another day, it's the perfect wine!

All these wines are available to purchase at cellar door or for the Rosé and Riesling you can also buy from our website.

 

 



To finish, a quote from the new Cuisine Wine Country magazine:

" Some of the most famous brands in New Zealand wine production have their home in the Wairarapa - names such as Gladstone, Palliser, Ata Rangi, Murdoch James and Te Kairanga. " 

We are proud to be listed along side these wineries.

Thanks for your support.  Come and see us soon.

Yours aye

 
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Welcome to the February 2011 issue of the Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine.


IN THIS ISSUE

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

CELLAR CLUB

EVENTS, MUSIC & MORE

 

  GLADSTONE VINEYARD GRAPEVINE

Happy New Year!  Having been brought up in Scotland I am conditioned to wish people a "happy new year" when I see them for the first time after 1 January.  Traditionally you do that right through January, so I'm just a little bit late this year!

I hope the summer and the festive time has been good for you.  We have had some wonderful family time over the past couple of months, from celebrating my aunt's 80th birthday, through a great family Christmas here at Gladstone, and then some relaxing time by Lake Taupo.   Our niece Susan was able to escape snow-covered Britain and spend some time catching up with us all.  She became a fan of 12,000 Miles Pinot Noir too, so the pressure is on to make the wine available more easily in the UK!

But the memories of summer holidays are fading fast.  The season is moving quickly towards vintage, we are busy with some fantastic events at the winery, and David and I are off on the wine sales trail again.

In terms of the vineyard, it's been a great season so far.  The spring was kind, with little if any frost worries.  And then flowering in early December went through perfectly with light winds and warm weather.  That means good and even fruit set, hopefully giving us even ripening and fruit in good condition.  The summer has been warm and dry, perfect for grape growers if somewhat harder for the local farmers.  The nets are now all on, about two weeks earlier than usual.  Quite a different season from last year's cool and wet conditions.  It's a chance now for the vineyard team to get a bit of a break before vintage starts in late March.

Getting the fruit right in the vineyard is just the first (and necessary) step in the challenging journey that is currently the wine industry.  As a colleague who runs a far larger winery than Gladstone Vineyard said,  we are dealing with the trifecta out there – oversupply, economic recession and challenging exchange rates.  It means we have to produce world class wine, stay light on our feet, continually review and adjust as necessary our product mix.  All to ensure we can supply the customer with a wine that they value and hopefully ultimately will go out of their way to find.


 
AWARDS & ACCOLADES


We are proud of the continual good reviews and accolades that our wines receive round the world. 

Our world class pinot noirs are now circling the world.  The trophy winning Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 has been selected for Air New Zealand business and premier economy class for the next six months.  And as a further delight, our 12,000 Miles Pinot Noir 2009, which was awarded a Gold Medal and Top 100 status  in the prestigious Sydney International Wine Competition, is one of the pinot noirs currently being poured in economy class by Air New Zealand.  So it's a wonderful double whammy for Gladstone Vineyard wines on Air New Zealand flights just now!   Closer to home we have had some wonderful reviews by New Zealand wine critics such as Michael Cooper, Raymond Chan and Yvonne Lorkin ("What a wine Jim!")

Available at cellar door, and on limited release round the country is the classic Gladstone Vineyard Riesling 2010.  A dry wine, it shows varietal purity and intensity, with vibrant lime aromatics.  One to drink now, or squirrel away for up to ten years.

Our Cellar Door Manager Leo's favourite continues to be the stylish Gladstone Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009.  A "grown up" sauvignon, this is not quaffing wine, rather it is elegant, with underlying minerality and a nice acidic finish.  Again, no need to hurry here – drink this one all through 2011, and it will last well into 2012 too....   Don't feel pressured to drink this SB when it is young!

But for me, Sophie's Choice is still my drink of choice.  And not just to remember the lovely Sophie who sadly died just before Christmas.  The wine is weighty, with lovely complexity and ripe fruit, it shows what wonderful match oak and sauvignon blanc can be.

For these and the rest of our wines, check out our website, or come out to the winery.  We have some cellar door specials, wines such as our "bubbles" which are only available at cellar door, and occasionally some library wine to taste. And don't leave it too late if you are a Rosé fan.  It won't last long, so buy now, or you'll have to wait till October!

We are delighted that our wines are now being distributed nationally by Macvine.  They are a great team, knowledgable, hard working, enthusiastic and they like our wines!  It is exciting to be working with them and start seeing our wines (both the Gladstone Vineyard range and the 12,000 Miles wines) get more exposure round New Zealand.  Hopefully it will make it easier for you to find our wines in your favourite wine store near you. (And if it's not there, ask them why not!)  We're looking forward to having Michael and his team join us at the Wairarapa Harvest Festival next month too.
 

CELLAR CLUB

We've recently set up the Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club – offering savings of up to 30% off retail prices, and the convenience of a regular delivery to your door of our award-winning Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines.  This is to recognise and look after our regular supporters.

As a Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club member, a case of select seasonal Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines will be couriered to you every three months.  Other benefits include discounts at cellar door and at our café, access to pre-release and limited edition wines and cellar stock, and exclusive member-only events.

Membership is $250 (incl GST) per delivery, for a minimum of 12 months (or 4 deliveries).   Sign up now, and the next delivery will include some vintage gold medal Pinot Noir from our library stock.

For more information or to sign up, click here.
 

EVENTS, MUSIC & MORE

There's a lot going on in the next few weeks... 
  • First up this Friday 11th February , we have the Topp Twins Summer Hoe Down at Gladstone Vineyard.  Door sales are available if you haven't bought a ticket yet.  Gates open at 4.30 and the concert starts at 6pm (till about 9pm).   Food and wine will be available to purchase, or bring a picnic (and a low chair), and settle in for a great evening with the cream of New Zealand's country and blue grass artists.  (A perfect accompaniment for Pinot Gris!)
             
  • Then on Sunday 20th February everybody's favourite Barry Saunders is back at Gladstone Vineyard for a long lazy lunch....  Bookings are strongly recommended, as we are already filling up fast that day.  Reserve a table on 06 379 8563 or email us

There's no shortage of action in March either. 

  • We are really looking forward to hosting the third biennial Sculpture in the Country on 11 and 12 March, showcasing artworks by some of New Zealand's leading sculptors in our beautiful vineyard setting.   Come and meander through the vines and beside the pond and wetlands, discovering wonderful pieces of art, and help decide the recipient of the peoples choice prize of $1,000.  All art works will be for sale.  Entry on the day supports Wairarapa Womens Refuge.  Wine, and other beverages and food will be available, plus local jazz band the Cool Cats will be  playing.  Check out our website for more information.
  • And then, hopefully before the real harvest begins, we are looking forward to the fourth Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival on Saturday 19th March.  The Harvest Festival is fast becoming recognised as one of the Wairarapa’s unique, iconic events showcasing sensational wines and food from throughout the Wairarapa region. A relaxed and intimate wine festival, it takes place at the "Cliffs" in Gladstone.  Tickets are available through Ticketek.  There will be no gate sales.
...and then its vintage!

 



Thanks for your support and interest in Gladstone Vineyard.  Come and see us soon.

Yours aye

 
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Welcome to the May 2011 issue of the Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine.


IN THIS ISSUE

CHRISTINE'S CHATTER

LEO'S WINE PICKS

GV CAFE

NEED A WINTER BREAK?

CAPRI WINEMAKERS DINNER

CELLAR CLUB

 

  GLADSTONE VINEYARD GRAPEVINE


CHRISTINE'S CHATTER

Well it's been a busy few months.  All sorts of summer events and fun through March, a month of harvest in April, and now into winemaking in the winery.  And  and now I'm off on the "road" (or rather the sky) again.

Harvest went well, but was a bit more challenging this year, with forklift breakdowns and variable weather. The weather meant that picking was spread out longer than expected - lasting right into May. Kyle, Gerhard and the team have put in big hours and lots of effort.  And we have enjoyed being more of an international winery this season.  Olivier has been the winery "second man".  He is from Provence, and his partner Clara has been here too, working at one of the other wineries in  the area.  Olivier and Gerhard have had an international petanque competition going, usually over a glass of wine, but sometime over pastisse .  Scott (from Sonoma) was a welcome addition to the winery team after a couple of weeks, bringing fresh plunging muscles, and quickly becoming a good friend of the water blaster.  It's just as well we have Kyle (and Shane) here as the New Zealanders, alongside Gerhard (our resident South African) and us Scots!

The fruit was in great order, and we are excited about the wine that is already in the winery.  The pinots are showing lovely depth and flavour and bode well which is exciting.  It will be a year of lower alcohol wines too, which is no bad thing.  The new sauvignon blancs will be out early, so we are excited about that and will keep you posted.

But for the first time ever, I left Gladstone before all the grapes were in.  There were just a last couple of picks of pinot noir to come in, and a little bit of pinot gris. It felt rather strange.  Gerhard has lots of tasting and pressing to do in the coming couple of weeks too.

I am writing this newsletter from Ottawa.  Canada is an exciting and developing market for us, and the NZ Canadian wine fairs are being held this fortnight.  so it is a trip across Canada for wine fairs, sales calls and wine dinners, from Vancouver through Calgary to Quebec, Montreal and down to Toronto too.   And then I go on to London for the London International Wine Fair (please come and see us at the NZ stand), before heading home again.


LEO'S WINE PICKS


Our Pinot Noir continues to garner success stories.   This time it's the 12,000 Miles Pinot Noir 2009  which just picked up its second gold medal at the Royal Easter Show.
 
And don't forget, if you're travelling internationally with Air New Zealand over the next few months, that our Pinot Noirs are flying too.  The Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 is available in business class and the 12,000 Miles Pinot Noir is available in economy class.  Hopefully they help you through to your destination, wherever it is! 

Also at the Royal Easter Show, we won a bronze medal for the stunning Gladstone Vineyard Riesling 2010.  Full of ripe lime flavours and with great minerality, this wine can be safely cellared for 10 years, or enjoy it now.   Raymond Chan thinks it's a winner too.  He describes it as ".. an outstanding wine and a wonderful example of purity in a dry style".  See his full review here.   

 And finally at the Royal Easter Show, the stunning Gladstone Vineyard Pinot Gris 2010 picked up a silver medal, boosting the strong reputation we have for making well balanced and elegant pinot gris.  Our other silver medal went to the Gladstone Vineyard Rose 2010, enjoyed by many over the summer, but sadly now sold out.  All the other wines are available for tasting at cellar door or to purchase online

  


 

GLADSTONE VINEYARD CAFE

The weather may be cooling down, and the rain may rain.  But don't forget, the Gladstone Vineyard Cafe is open weekends all year round for lunch.  We're a perfect spot for a cosy retreat in the autumn.  Come and sit by the fire, or enjoy a crisp sunny day, and enjoy our blackboard menu with some of our award-winning wines. 

Our cafe is also the ideal spot for your own event any day of the week - a family party, a special birthday celebration or a small business conference.  We can cater for groups of up to about 50 people, give us a call and see what we can do for you.  If you are reading this from overseas, we are putting together some special events for rugby supporters in September or October.  Food, special wine tastings and more.  We are a great place to spend the day, in between the match days - email us to find out more.   We will also be involved in the Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine event, which happens around quarter final weekend, the 7-10th October.

Our music weekends continue through the autumn - on Sunday 15 May, we are excited to welcome back Bill and Celtic Reunion.    It's great to see Bill back playing, and we look forward to having him play here again at Gladstone Vineyard.  Bookings are highly recommended.  Call us on 06 379 8563 or email us

Later in the year Wellington on a Plate is back again.  Watch our website for details of this and more  later in the year.

  


NEED A WINTER BREAK?

 



Don't forget the Gladstone Vineyard Apartment.  For May, June and July, we have a special offer - stay two nights with us at at the weekend (Fri / Sat or Sat / Sun) and we will give you $50 towards your lunch at the Gladstone Vineyard Cafe (on Friday, Saturday or Sunday). 

These weekend specials go quickly, so email us now to pick your weekend.  Remember there is a log fire, so its a great cosy place to just relax and unwind, whatever the weather.  And cellphone reception is limited, so it can really be a "quiet" weekend away!

Call us on 06 379 8563 to book or check availability and book directly online.

 

 


CAPRI WINEMAKERS DINNER


Coming up later this month is a very special Winemakers Dinner at Capri Bar & Eatery in Wellington on Wednesday 25th May.  It will be a six course dinner matched with Gladstone Vineyard wines and will feature some cellar door only wine, such as our Gladstone Vineyard Bubbles and the yet to be released "Hannah Rosie".    The cost is $120pp, and advanced booking and payment is essential.  Contact Nicola at Capri on 04 472 2613, or email her to make a booking. 

Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club Members are entitled to a $15 discount on the tickets for themselves and up to three friends.  Contact Gladstone Vineyard directly for these bookings.
 

 


CELLAR CLUB

The Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club was set up to recognise our most loyal supporters, offering savings of up to 30% off retail prices, and the convenience of a regular delivery to your door of our award-winning Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines.

As a Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club member, a case of select seasonal Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines will be couriered to you every three months.  Other benefits include discounts at cellar door and at our café, access to pre release and limited edition wines and cellar stock, and exclusive member-only events.

Membership is $250 (incl GST) per delivery, for a minimum of 12 months (or four deliveries).   SIGN UP NOW and the current delivery will include a special selection of autumn warming whites, including some library wines. 

 

Thanks for your support.  Come and see us soon or join us in the virtual world on facebook or twitter!

Yours aye

 
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Welcome to the August 2011 issue of the Gladstone Vineyard Grapevine.


IN THIS ISSUE

CHRISTINE'S CHATTER

LEO'S WINE PICKS

RUGBY AND WINE ACTION AT GV

GLADSTONE VINEYARD CAFE

CELLAR CLUB
           

 

  GLADSTONE VINEYARD GRAPEVINE

            
          

CHRISTINE'S CHATTER

The promised southerly has blasted the country for the past few days.  On Monday the vineyard was a picture with snow all around…  Even driving from Carterton was a challenge.  The Rimutaka Hill Road has been closed since Sunday evening, and on Tuesday morning the road north was closed at Mt Bruce, prompting Shane to remark over coffee that it would be interesting if the aliens arrived now!  We had nowhere to go.  Not the main issue for most people we thought... Check out some more amazing pics of the snow on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/gladstonevineyard.

But the days are lengthening, there is more heat in the sun, and the daffodils (and blossom) are coming out round the place.  Spring is definitely around the corner (though it’s hard to remember that at this precise moment!).  But there are lots of reasons to visit Gladstone Vineyard and the Wairarapa in the coming months.  In less than four weeks, rugby fever hits New Zealand.  There’s plenty lined up at GV and in the Wairarapa for visitors and locals who want a bit of rugby fever (or just want to get away from it all!).

Back at the business end of the winemaking – in the vineyard, Kyle has used the wet weather to reflect on our biological viticulture.  Confronted at a seminar about four years ago to consider our conventional approach which used high chemical inputs, we took up the challenge and changed direction.  Biological Agriculture is not one product; it is a whole system approach.   It involves soil and vine drenching, cover crops, strategic mowing and more  – all leading to healthy soils and vines, which has brought the vineyard alive both above and below ground.  We are very happy with the positive effects we are seeing both in the vineyard and in the end product – the wines.  Click here to read Kyle’s full report.


           

LEO'S WINE PICKS

Leo Donworth is our cellar door manager. She is passionate about our wines, and has a great knack of working out what wine you really need when you come to visit us! So be prepared to walk away with a 3 pack or more...

We have some great new release wines this spring.  Available for Daffodil Day in September, we have the ever popular Gladstone Vineyard Rosé 2011.  A rosé for grown-ups, this year’s wine is predominantly made from Cabernet Franc grapes.  Pale pink in colour, Gerhard has been influenced by Olivier, our French vintage cellar hand, and has truly made a European style rosé.

I'm excited too about the new release 12,000 Miles wines.  Not always available for tasting at cellar door, (unless you ask very nicely), the Sauvignon Blanc 2011 is a winner.  Read this review from Chris from the Fine Wine Delivery Company:

Crafted with fruit from two specially selected Wairarapa vineyards, this flavoursome effort offers an alternative snap shot of Sauvignon where texture and minerality is the star. Flavours of tropical fruits and white peach are to the fore with zippy citrus tones adding excitement around the edges and culminating in a refreshing dry finish. Enjoy with marinated seafood treats now and through 2013.

We also have the latest releases of the ever popular 12,000 Miles Pinot Gris 2011, and 12,000 Miles Pinot Noir 2010. Special 3 packs of all these wines are available at cellar door.

And don’t forget our two latest gold medal winning wines - the GV Sauvignon Blanc 2010 and the GV Pinot Noir 2009 that both took away gold medals from the Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada.  This is one of the oldest wine competitions in the world and the largest in North America.  Both these wines are now available at cellar door.  Very limited quantities of the GV Sauvignon Blanc is available, so we are keeping the last of the wine for visitors to the winery, and mail order customers only.

And finally, the GV Pinot Gris 2010  is a goodie, and well worth tasting.  It won silver in the Royal Easter show, and it goes from strength to strength! 

Come and try (and buy!) our wines at cellar door, or head to our website to buy online.


           


RUGBY AND WINE ACTION AT GV…

Yes, we are getting into the swing of things… With a South African winemaker, a Kiwi viticulturalist, an Ozzie wine consultant, there is plenty of interest and banter round the place.  Not to mention Scots owners (well we did just score a try against Ireland), and a couple of Poms at cellar door and in the café.  There is plenty at stake in the coming weeks!  So we have lots of special activities taking place for visitors and locals during the coming weeks.

The (birch tree) rugby posts are up – and we have started our “longest goal kicking competition” – with special entries for women, over 40’s under 60’s, teenagers, you name it!  We will also be having some special events.  You can try your hand at barrel racing down the vines, and see if you can beat Gerhard’s best time.  There will be a bottle of wine for the fastest time between the 10th September and 10th October. We will also have line out practice down the vines, with a bottle of wine for the longest, straightest throw, caught (without touching the ground)!

If you are not into sporting activities, we have some fun at cellar door…  As well as our new release wines, we will be offering Tri-nations Wine Tasting for $10 / head - try six wines (carefully selected by the GV team), with a white and a red wine from each of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.  Or try our our Celtic Whisky tastings.  Not to be outdone on the winefront, David (in kilt when he is here) is offering whisky tastings, lining up two Scotch against an Irish, and possible Japanese or indian option ($10 / head).

So come and join in - or take a break from - the rugby fever this spring at Gladstone Vineyard.  We will be open as follows:
         

  • Monday - Sunday (10am-4pm) for:
    • our usual wine tastings, Tri-nations wine tastings, and Celtic Whisky tastings.  Lighthouse Gin (distilled in Greytown) will also be available for tasting.
    • special rugby and vineyard activities for small groups ($10 per head) including: rugby posts and rugby balls for kicking competitions and line-out competitions down the vines
    • platters at the cafe.
  • Lunch at the Gladstone Vineyard Café Thursday to Sunday 11-3pm (bookings recommended).  Watch out for Pete’s special menus with an international flavour.

Gladstone Vineyard merchandise will also be for sale at the vineyard.

There's a lot of other activities happening in the Wairarapa too...  Check out the WairarapaNZ website for details of the Wairarapa Spring Festival .  It kicks off on Daffodil day weekend, with a very special event in Carterton on Saturday 10th September - the Rugby, Haka, Hangi Festival.  A perfect event for overseas visitors in Wellington for the rugby, interested in rugby and local culture.  It’s a chance to play and/or watch local rugby, learn how to do a haka, try some local food and wine, and have dinner that has been cooked in a hangi.  An incredible day, then stay over in the Wairarapa for Daffodil Day before heading into Wellington for the first game at the stadium! Also check out the REAL Festival - celebrating what's happening in New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup.

Then on the weekend of the quarter finals in Wellington Saturday 8th/Sunday 9th October, the unique Wairarapa Vintage Wings and Wine event at Hood Aerodrome in Masterton.  With a fascinating tour of the Vintage Aviator (one of the world’s largest privately owned collections of WWI aircraft) and a four course food and wine matched lunch hosted by some of the Wairarapa regions award winning winemakers, this is an opportunity of a lifetime.  For bookings or more information, visit www.wairarapawines.co.nz or email info@wairarapawines.co.nz

And go Scotland!  And Georgia of course (they're based in Masterton, and their coach is from Glasgow!)


 

 GLADSTONE VINEYARD CAFE

This weekend is the last few days of Wellington on a Plate.  It's a great value culinary festival, with a two course lunch and glass of wine at the  for only $35.  Check out our Wellington on a Plate Menu here.

Then watch out for

  • Meet the keeper - our special Lighthouse Gin tasting, Saturday 20th August

Sample some locally distilled Lighthouse Gin, find out about the distillation process, talk with Neil about the 'botanicals', get some fantastic cocktail recipes and buy a bottle to take home at special Wellington on a Plate prices. Our chef Peter Icke will be serving a delicious Lighthouse Gin infused lemon posset for dessert.

  • Long Lazy Lunches

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon of top notch food, award winning wine and live music.  Next up:
Sunday 21 August - Hannah McGrail 12.30 - 3.30 pm
Sunday 18 September - Celtic Reunion 12 - 3pm
Bookings recommended - call 06 379 8563 or email us

  • Daffodil day Sun 11th September

Spring traditionally kicks off for us on Daffodil Day. The second Sunday of September every year is when our ever generous neighbours, the Booth family, open up their farm for hundreds of visitors to wander and pick from their field of daffodils, with all proceeds going to local charities. Come over to the Gladstone Vineyard cafe pre- or post- pick for a light lunch, glass of wine or coffee. Tractor rides from the gate are available for young and old . And the steam train is back. The Daffodil Express, an historic steam train will bring visitors from Wellington and Hutt Valley (and back) for the day. Buses will bring visitors out to pick daffodils and give you time to visit the vineyard.


            
          

 



CELLAR CLUB

Finally a reminder about our  Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club.  This is a fantastic way to get a special selection of our wines, at significant saving.  

As a Gladstone Vineyard Cellar Club member, a case of select seasonal Gladstone Vineyard and 12,000 Miles wines will be couriered to you every three months.  Other benefits include discounts at cellar door and at our café, access to pre release and limited edition wines and cellar stock, and exclusive member-only events.

Membership is $250 (incl GST) per delivery, for a minimum of 12 months (or four deliveries).   SIGN UP NOW the current delivery includes gold, silver and bronze winning whites, and pre-release Hannah Rosie ( a very special wine!)
           

Thanks for your support.  Come and see us soon or join us in the virtual world on facebook or twitter!

Yours aye


 
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