Next Thursday we are welcoming James Millton from Millton Vineyards in Gisborne, for a tasting that promises to be no less than awe-inspiring!
Millton Vineyards is New Zealand's First Organic & Biodynamic Wine Estate!
Originally started by James’ wife's father in the 1960's, James and Annie (his wife) returned to Gisborne after having gained extensive wine experience through Europe including at the Champagne House Bollinger and prestigious Bordeaux Estates!
They established Millton in 1984 and 5 years later, no rest for the wicked, it became the first certified organic commercial wine producer in the country.
Keeping the ball rolling, in 2009, Millton Vineyards became one of the first biodynamic Demeter-certified wine producers in NZ and is today one of the oldest biodynamic wine estates in the Southern Hemisphere!
James Millton is the father of organic wine production in NZ and he has been an inspiration to many other grape growers and winemakers, driving the growth of organic and biodynamic practices in this country. James was actually instrumental in writing the certified organic standards for grape growing and wine production in NZ.
Rather than resting on his accomplishments, he has always been keen to share his ideas, experiments and successes with others, for the benefit of the land, the people working on it, and the wine industry.
That is why he is also a member of the wine collective The Family of Twelve, a fraternity of 12 of New Zealand’s most prestigious family-owned wineries. The emphasis is on education and the promotion of New Zealand wine to export markets. To give you an idea of the pedigree, Craggy Range, Kumeu River, Felton Road and Pegasus Bay are all members of this fraternity. Only la crème de la crème!
James has also served as a wine judge, is the past chair of Organic Winegrowers NZ, has sat on the council of the Bio Dynamic Farming Society of NZ, received the Jon Manhire Award for outstanding contribution, was made a Member of the NZ Order of Merit in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours, was elected Personality of the Year in 2013 and in 2019 inducted to become Fellows of New Zealand Winegrowers.
Now, I could go on about James' accomplishments but, as you can see, this could take a while. You get the idea; he is a pioneer, an inspiration, a mentor, a legend!
Now, let's talk about his wines. Well, let's just say that you are in for a treat!
James does not believe in disguising nor dressing up the unique character with outside influences or winemaking manipulations. He sees himself as merely the caretakers of the fruits of his labours. His wines are pure varietal expressions shaped by the terroir.
His wines are benchmark examples, beautiful classics perfectly executed. It is like drinking Four Seasons by Vivaldi!
Millton Chenin Blanc has led a revival of the variety in New Zealand and is still to this day considered the best. His Viognier is the absolute finest, worth of a Condrieu, and his Syrah is rivaling with French Crozes-Hermitage.
We will be showing 8 wines on the night including their flagship Clos de St Anne new releases!
This tasting promises to be very special indeed! Get ready to meet the legendary Gisborne producer, James Millton.
As always, canapes will be served throughout the evening.