This year Mt. Beautiful was honored to have been invited back to the annual International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC) hosted on the Linfield College Campus in McMinnville Oregon.

It had been roughly five years since they were last selected as a featured winery at this well regarded event entirely focused on Pinot Noir. Each year IPNC's organizers carefully select and invite a diverse representation of Pinot Noir producers from around the globe, amounting to over fifty wineries.

The daily itinerary for the event is impressive; peppered with activities ranging from on-campus seminars, off-site vineyard tours, a Grand Dinner, alfresco tastings, a heavily attended "Salmon Bake," a Champagne Brunch, and a large Pinot Noir tasting on the closing day of the event that is open to those who did not sign up for the entire weekend event.

Mt. Beautiful's CEO Robert Watkins discussing the terroir of North Canterbury in a seminar on AVAs, hosted at Belle Pente Winery.

Of the wine media circulating the event was Dr. Jamie Goode of Wine Anorak.

Mt. Beautiful's CEO Robert Watkins (left) and Rick Moshin of Moshin Vineyards.

Mt. Beautiful's Suzanna Mannion (left) and wine / travel writer L.M. Archer at the Grand Dinner Friday evening.

The Russian River's Moshin Vineyards were neighbors at the tastings. Pictured here is Rick (at left) and Richard 

Saturday evening's Salmon Bake lured over 1500 wine loving guests.

Countless beautifully crafted and heartfelt meals were prepareed throughout the event.

Left to Right: Winemaker Thomas Houseman of Anne Amie Vineyards and Mt. Beautiful's Suzanna Mannion

Last weekend Mt. Beautiful attended the 2019 International Pinot Noir Celebration in McMinnville Oregon. The day prior, they were one of 15 wineries pouring Rose and Chardonnay at a neighboring "IPNC" kick-off party called "Counter Culture" hosted by Anne Amie Vineyards. This lively event included fifteen international wineries, delectable local food vendors, highly scenic views and a live DJ. Here are some photos from this fabulously fun event.

Mt. Beautiful's CEO Robert Watkins

Fifty Licks Ice Cream kept the wine tasters cool and refreshed.

Fantastic panoramas from Anne Amie Vineyard and happy guests enjoying them. 

A lengthy fire pit was lit and complemented by a fire dancer. 

Two new reviews by Christina Pickard!

2018 Mt. Beautiful Sauvignon Blanc

90 Points

Medium-gold in color, this North Canterbury Sauvignon leads with a heady nose of guava, lychee, and pineapple, with soft aromas of grass and tomato leaf. There's a nice play on the palate between texture and prickly acidity, with plenty of tropical fruit and a long finish. It makes for an apt pairing with summery cuisine.

2017 Mt. Beautiful Chardonnay

91 Points – Editor’s Choice

Somewhere between honey and lemon in color, this Chardonnay shows off much of what is so good about the North Canterbury region. The nose is sunny and bright with tropical and stone fruit backed by nutty, toasty and floral aromas. The medium-bodied palate is focused with chalky textured but slippery fruit weight. Lifted acidity and bright fruit add tingly tangy character. Drink over the next few years on its own or with food.