The Festive Season is here.... Wine Festivities & Celebration

The adage that "time flies when you're having fun" feels especially fitting for 2024. It seems like only yesterday we were busy with the hustle and bustle of harvest. Now, with the year drawing to a close, we’re looking forward to the 2025 season.

In the Vineyard
Despite the threat of unpredictable frost events across the region in late November, our vineyards emerged unscathed. Flowering is now well underway across Burn Cottage, Sauvage, and Sappa vineyards, with the team hard at work thinning shoots and preparing the vines for the season ahead.

One major milestone this year, was Shane and the team completing the second stage of replanting in the Sauvage vineyard. The newly planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines are settling in well, with their first year of growth already underway. Replanting this section not only introduces a more diverse mix of Pinot Noir clones but also allows for higher-density planting — essential ingredients for crafting exceptional wine.

Chardonnay is coming
For those who know us well, you'll be aware that Chardonnay has been on our wish list for some time. The Sauvage vineyard in Bannockburn presented the perfect opportunity to introduce one of Central Otago’s most iconic varieties. Our total Chardonnay planting is a modest 0.5 hectares, and it will be a few years before we see our first crop, however we are rightly excited about making our first Bannockburn Chardonnay.

In the Winery
This year, we bid farewell to Agustina, who returned to Argentina to be with her wine-making family. In her place, we welcomed Lily as our new Assistant Winemaker. With six vintages under her belt and several years of experience at Craggy Range, Lily brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for Central Otago Pinot Noir. She and Claire have already begun preparing for the 2025 harvest, and have recruited a talented group of young winemakers, from New Zealand and abroad, to learn and contribute to the Burn Cottage approach to wine-making.

Beyond the Winery
Of course, none of our success  would be possible without the support of Pinot Noir lovers likes yourself and we have enjoyed meeting you at events, like Urban Wine Walk, Pinot Palooza or hosting you for tastings at our winery. The other thanks goes to an incredible network of distributors around the world. Their dedication, sees our wines featured in some of the world's finest restaurants, wine bars, and fine wine merchants. This year, Andy has had the privilege of visiting many of them, sharing the story of Burn Cottage and Central Otago. These connections are rewarding and an essential part of our journey.

The Unsung Heroes
Behind the scenes, our unsung heroes — Susan and Jacqui — keep everything running smoothly. From managing orders, packing shipments, and balancing accounts to handling the endless stream of paperwork, they ensure every detail is covered. Their hard work and multitasking superpowers keep the wheels of Burn Cottage turning.

A Time to Pause and Celebrate
The team work incredibly hard to create every bottle of wine , and it’s always rewarding to see that effort recognised. We recently had a good reason to celebrate, as Moonlight Race Pinot Noir 2022 was named in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of the World and the James Suckling Top 100 Wines of New Zealand.

Like you, we’ll be taking a well-deserved break over the festive season to share good wine, great food, and special moments with family and friends.

Enjoy the festivities and thank you for all your support in 2024.
 
Cheers
 
Marquis, Dianne and The Burn Cottage Crew.

P.S.-  If you’re in NZ and need wine for Christmas day get your order in by :

North Island 16th Dec & South Island 18th Dec
(Complimentary NZ Shipping on 6+ bottles)