31 July 1998 Overseas speakers will add bubble to Grapes and Wine School

U.S. guest Zelma Long, Executive Vice-President of Moët Hennessy, California Wineries, joins Australian Dr Malcolm Allen of Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, as the keynote overseas speakers at this year's Lincoln University Spring School in Grapes and Wine.

Dates for the two-day school, the sixth since they were started in 1993 to mark the 20th anniversary of the first planting of grapes at Lincoln University, are 19-20 September and enrolments are open now.

Zelma Long has had an extensive career as a winemaker. She joined Simi Winery, California, in 1979 with the mission of re-vitalising a century-old winery through the modernisation of its facilities and the establishment of new directions for its wine style.

Over the following 10 years Simi was transformed into a winery producing cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc that rank with the foremost wines in the world.

Simi Winery's parent organisation is Moët Hennessy/Louis Vuitton, and Zelma, the recipient of many prestigious awards, is now on the executive committees of both Simi and its sister winery, Domaine Chandon, the noted California sparkling wine producer.

The working title for Zelma's Spring School address is "Where is the Market for Californian Wine Production?"

Co-guest from overseas, Dr Malcolm Allen, is an Associate Professor of Wine Science, and he will speak to the school on "Flavour and Aroma Components of Sauvignon Blanc". This will fit into a programme segment devoted to a look at all aspects of sauvignon blanc, in which school participants will hear from winemakers, viticulturists and marketers.

A tasting of the individual wine components that are blended to make up a proprietary line will follow.

On the second day of the school there will be a special section of the programme on pinot noir. This will be taken by Martinborough winemaker Larry McKenna, one of the foremost pinot noir producers in the country, plus other pinot noir specialists.

The programme will conclude with an analysis of New Zealand wine exports and consumer preference in wine purchasing.

Enrolments for the school are open now and the contact for full details is Errol Costello, Centre for Continuing Education, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, phone (03) 3253832 or fax (03) 3253840.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand