The Nelson Wineart First XV Wine Competition

Nelson Wineart ran an exciting series of events during the Rugby World Cup. They were based around an international wine competition between the famous aromatic wines from Italy, USA and Nelson. A panel of high profile international judges judged the First Fifteen Wines from each country.

As well as watching the Italian and American rugby teams on the field, you could experience the very best aromatic wines from these countries! There was tough competition on and off the field!

Winning Wines of the Nelson Wineart 1XV Competition Announced Here!

Winners of the Nelson Wineart 1XV Wine Competition - Media Release

Following the blind tasting competition, Nelson Wineart held an exciting series of events for wine lovers:

Sunday 25 Sept - The Nelson First Fifteen Blind Tasting Competition Sorry - Fully Booked

Sunday 25 Sept - The Nelson First Fifteen Degustation Dinner Sorry - Fully Booked

Monday 26 Sept - The Nelson First Fifteen Tutored Tasting Sorry - Fully Booked

Tuesday 27 Sept - The Big Game - Italy vs USA

Wednesday 28 Sept - Nelson New Release Tasting - meet the winemakers

Download the 1XV Booklet which accompanies these events here

Your NZ wine event around THAT rugby cup is going to be one of the best I have to say.
Wine Jobs Online

I must say that I found the whole thing fantastic: the judging and the events associated were first class; very professionally run and seamlessly conducted. The hospitality provided by all of you was superb. I felt privileged to have taken part and would be keen to make a return performance if that were ever possible
Ralph Kyte-Powell

Not only has The Nelson First Fifteen competition created excitement in New Zealand, the energy has rippled across the deep blue to our shores. As a fan of Kiwi wines I have touted their beauty worldwide, but I'm also proud to showcase American aromatics to an audience who may not have tasted them before.
Leslie Sbrocco

I confess that during the taking off in Nelson my eyes got a little wet... The Nelson First Fifteen has been an amazing experience and an opportunity to increase my knowledge of New Zealand wines.
Riccardo Castaldi

It rated right up there: it was a brilliant concept and excellently executed. The venue was fabulous, the food was sensational, the waiting staff were superb, and there were copious amounts of wine. The evening had a sense of form and structure . . . but it also had that level of glorious looseness and spontaneity that you cannot programme for. There was good natured rivalry and very good fun. It was just a fantastic idea; it gets 100 out of 100 to be honest
John Hawkesby

Heartfelt thanks to all in Nelson (too numerous to name) who helped make the last few days very memorable. You should all take a bow.
John Saker

Riesling is like the white pinot noir for winemakers, it's quite a challenging wine and to win against stiff competition is fantastic. With 4 out of 5 of the Riesling winners coming from Nelson that's all really good for our region.
Daniel Schwarzenbach

Hear what the experts have to say about the Nelson Wine Region: