Photo credit: https://www.drinksbiz.co.nz/news/new-chair-at-spirits-nz

We congratulate Pernod Ricard’s Monique Sprosen, who has been appointed Chair of Spirits New Zealand (Inc). As Chair, she will head the Board of 10 representatives from member companies. Monique is the first woman to hold the position since the organisation’s incorporation in 1990.

What a winner – Chemistry Gin is a juniper-forward, vegan London Dry-style gin that’s just won gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2024. Founded by a medical biochemist, the company supports women beginning their careers in science (and it sports one of the coolest labels we’ve seen in a long time). chemistrygin.com

Christchurch wine bar Cellar Door has been named among the best in the world at The Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards, taking a ‘Best of’ Award of Excellence for its wine programme, which is judged on the quality, representation and diversity of the wine selection, presentation and suitability for an establishment’s style. Also on the Wine Spectator list was True South Dining Room at The Rees Hotel in Queenstown. cellardoor.nz, therees.co.nz

We applaud Northland winery The Landing, which was recently awarded a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards in London and four golds at the Sommeliers Choice Awards. thelandingwine.co.nz

After an eight-year pause, Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025 is set to take place in Ōtautahi Christchurch on February 11-13, 2025, offering a three-day programme and more than 70 participating wineries. pinotnz.co.nz

Beloved wine event, Toast Martinborough has switched from November to a new high-summer date on 19 January 2025. It features eight wineries including new addition Poppies Martinborough alongside favourites such as Ata Rangi, Tirohana Estate, Luna Estate and Moy Hall. toastmartinborough.co.nz

We offer our congratulations to Katie Cameron from Ata Rangi in Martinborough who became the 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey North Island Young Winemaker of the Year. Acclaim, too, for Aaron Coxhead from Invivo who came second and Aileen Luo from Church Road Winery who came third.