Inaugural annual Kelland’s Wine Challenge

Inaugural annual Kelland’s Wine Challenge at Goldwater raises $25,000 on Waiheke

The inaugural Kelland's Wine Challenge for the Goldwater Trophy has raised over $25,000 for the performing art facilities at Te Huruhi Primary School on Waiheke Island.

Winemakers and personalities were auctioned off at the blind tasting event last night by auctioneer Deborah Kelland. This was the first ever auction of winemakers in New Zealand.

The winemakers and wine personalities fetched a total of $5350. Winning bidders secured their wine expert to join their team for the wine options challenge run by Bob Campbell MW, who won a major award at the New Zealand International Wine Show last week.

Cable Bay winemaker Neill Culley and wine writer Keith Stewart were the highlight sales, each going under the hammer for $1000.

Waiheke pioneer winemaker Kim Goldwater was quickly bought to head the "Goldie" team - to celebrate the 5 star, 93 point rating the Goldwater "Goldie" 2002 received in the recent Gourmet Traveller Wine Collectors' Issue.

A wall of pink $100 mystery envelopes was sold off with prizes including boat charter on the MV Kawe, a night and dinner at the Boatshed.

Waihekian Peter Tait-Jaimeson lead the winning team to take home the Goldwater Trophy with the "Goldie" team, led by Kim Goldwater, a close second.

John Gow from Connells Bay Sculpture Park on Waiheke Island said the event was not just ``Waiheke by Waiheke for Waiheke, it was international and that there were busloads from Auckland was amazing’’.

"It is very interesting that Waiheke draws top people in winemakers, Bob Campbell and Lauraine Jacobs from Cuisine, for what is a really good community project."

Goldwater spokeswoman Gretchen Goldwater said the "generosity and enthusiasm on the night was humbling.

``Events like this really put us, Waiheke and NZ wine on the map.’’

Deborah Kelland, the chief executive of Kelland's Real Estate, said they were honoured to have their brand associated with Goldwater and to put something back into Waiheke.

During the evening, Goldwater released their new 2005 Rosie Rosé of pinot noir from Marlborough.

This is only the second vintage from their new pinot noir vineyard in Marlborough. It celebrates the life of Rosie Goldwater, mother of pioneer winemaker Kim Goldwater.

The company celebrated its record 20th vintage release in February. Ms Goldwater said they aimed to become a New Zealand household name in wine. Goldwater already exports to more than 25 countries.

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