#122 Huw Kinch | Pyramid Valley Wines | Made with Care NZTE Campaign

Today I’m talking to Huw Kinch, Winemaker and Estate Manager at Pyramid Valley, a biodynamic winery in beautiful Waikari, North Canterbury in the South Island of New Zealand. I usually speak to chefs but I’m doing a series of special edition features showcasing New Zealand suppliers and producers to celebrate the launch of New Zealand Trade & Enterprise’s 2022 Made with Care campaign in Australia. A global initiative designed to raise awareness of New Zealand’s superlative produce, Made with Care shines a light on thoughtfully created and ethically manufactured food and beverages the country is famous for. New Zealand is recognised all over the world for its commitment to creating environmentally conscious, sustainably minded food and wine. The Made with Care initiative reinforces values unique to New Zealand’s food and beverage industry. Pyramid Valley has been a labour of love for two partnerships. Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing followed by Steve Smith MW (Master of Wine) and investor and wildlife conservationist Brian Sheth. This is not a sponsored or remunerated piece, but when I was asked if I was interested in something a little adjacent to Conversation with a chef and I read about the campaign, I jumped at the chance. I first became aware of Pyramid Valley wines about 13 years ago when I went to a tasting and Mike Weersing spoke. It was one of the most memorable events I have been to. Mike spoke about his wines and his global journey to find the perfect place to make them with a passion that was palpable and everyone in the room was hanging off his every word. The wines of Pyramid Valley are born in the dramatic limestone and clay-derived soils of North Canterbury. A unique, high-altitude site that is home to some of the most profound Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the world. Grown biodynamically and following natural principles in its winemaking with the use of indigenous yeasts, natural fining and minimal, if any, filtration.