The vineyard's Red Barn Tasting Room & Cellar Door is open every weekend until April. Hours are on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 4:30pm. If you have visitors, stopping by to show them your local vineyard and tasting award-winning wines is a great way to spend some time. We have a spectacular new addition to the Tasting Room. On display you will find Blanchett's fine hand-made furniture. Distinctive, pure and elegant, this hand crafted furniture is heirloom quality and made solely in New Zealand from sustainably milled timber. Next time you visit the tasting room, check out one of their superior chairs. You can also view their full range at their website by visiting blanchetts.co.nz.
We participated in two regional events on Waitangi Day. The Taranaki Wine and Food Festival and the Dannevirke A&P Centennial Show on Saturday, 6th Feb.
On 24 November, Pohangina Valley Estate was featured in an article by the Manawatu Standard. Read about it by clicking this.
In early November the vineyard was awarded a Bronze Medal for its 2008 Pinot Gris. The Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition celebrated its inaugural year with an objective to provide wine lovers in the region with an easy and informative way to explore and enjoy the wonderful world of wines and spirits and to help the trade showcase their products in the world's most dynamic market.
Approximately 1300 wines from around the world, including Italy, South Africa, Portugal and Australia, were judged in the competition from 31 October to 3 November, with results announced on 4 November.
"We entered the competition to increase our profile in a growing market and also to just test our wines with some of the best in the world." said Bronwyn Dymock, who owns the vineyard with her husband Nick and sister Fiona. "To achieve a bronze in such a big competition and against so many entries is really thrilling."
Our wines are now available at The Gallery, one of Palmerston's fine restaurants. Enjoy a glass of our Chardonnay/Pinot Gris Blend with their signature scallops.
Fresh Central, Palmerston's new premier deli and specialty local grocer now stocks our wines. You'll have to stop in and check it out, 35 Grey Street (next to Speights Ale House).
The 2009 release of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil has been very successful. The 250ml bottle has an easy pour top with better closure. We do have some stock still available. To buy on-line, click this link , or give us a call on 06 - 354 7948. $17 per bottle.
Tastings & Events - November 2009
PALMERSTON NORTH & surrounding region
SECRET GARDENS of KIWITEA Sunday 8th November - 10.30am to 4pm in Kiwitea district, within 20 minutes of Feilding, a beautiful drive with panoramic views of the greater Manawatu and beyond. Here you will discover five special gardens to admire. Tickets are for sale, contact Steph @ The Feilding Information Centre (06) 328 9002
Here are descriptions of the gardens:
Heritage Park (owned by New Zealand Rhododendron Association), lovely views of the Ruahine Ranges while the sheltered valley is home to tranquil pools and mature rhododendrons and azaleas which will be at their peak of flowering beauty.Nga Tawa, This is where Pohangina Valley Estate will be doing wine tastings, so stop by and see us. It is an established homestead on large park-like grounds framed by old exotic and specimen trees. This is a one-off opportunity and a must to view by those who appreciate fine gardens. Harare, a beautiful garden which will surprise you with it’s many rooms leading from one to the other with formal clipped hedges separating the areas, including a wetland lake with it’s own little jetty – another unique opportunity to view a magnificent private garden.Down End, a delightful cottage garden with roses blooming and ideas to steal.Mamaku, a fascinating home and garden established through love and hard work incorporating established native trees and shrubs to produce a delightful native walk which will appeal to those wanting ideas on creating their own piece of paradise – try and spot the pet weta in his home.St Agnes’ Church Kiwitea, our gorgeous little church decorated by The Christmas Heirloom Company, Palmerston North
Previous Events
OCTOBER
Saturday the 3rd - A Special Vertical Tasting 2006, 2007 & 2008 vintages of Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris - at the Red Barn Tasting Room & Cellar Door
SEPTEMBER
Saturday the 26th - A Special Vertical Tasting 2006, 2007 & 2008 vintages of Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris - Fully booked. A second event for 3rd October is listed above, however we are only taking names for the wait list in the event of a cancellation.
AUGUST
Two Souls Bistro - Wellington on Friday, 28 August 6 to 8 pm. The '08 Chardonnay/Pinot Gris Blend will be featured. To book a table, phone 04 803 3137. 290 Wakefield Street.
JULY
Friday, 10 July - National Bank Young Farmers Contest, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Held on the Railway Land between Church & Main Streets. We were at the Practical Day Contest which is an integral part of this event.
Thursday, 2nd of July, 6:00 to 7 pm at Planet Spice in Wellington, 128 Riddiford Street - Featuring the '06 Pinot Noir and '08 Chardonnay/Pinot Gris Blend
- Thursday, 4th of June, 12:00 - 2 and 4 - 6 p.m. at Wineseeker in Wellington, 86-96 Victoria Street - Featuring '08 Chardonnay and Chardonnay/Pinot Gris Blend
- Tuesday, 23rd of June, 11:00 to 6 pm at the Duxton Hotel Ballroom for the Katrina Gordon Hospitality Trade Show
We had a great time at 'A Perfect Day' on Sunday, 8 February 2009, held at Pohangina Reserve. Attendance was at least 1000, five times larger than in 2008 and Pohangina Valley Estate became much more well-known to locals and visitors alike. Everyone soaked up the sun, and good music for the family with live music, crafts and food.
Press & Publicity
A limited amount of the '08 Totara Reserve is still available in Palmerston North: Liquorland-Albert Street or when dining at Roma Restaurant. The 2009 vintage is due for release in the next couple of months. We'll keep you posted.
Our 2008 vintage of white wines was released in April '09. We have a full-bodied Chardonnay available and our unique special blend of Chardonnay/Pinot Gris "dances on the palate." Have a look here.
The Estate has been approved as a venue for selected occasions such as weddings. We have created easy online access to what we offer, see more here.
Information about the initial launch of Totara Reserve in Nov. 2008:
The latest copy of Cuisine Wine Country is out. See page 90 to read the write up we received. We are also featured in Michael Coopers Wine Atlas; just out and available at all good book stores.
Click here to check out the write up from respected wine writer Joelle Thomson from Mindfood Magazine
