Meet the award-winning Kiwi winemaker who's philosophical in the face of terminal cancer diagnosis

November 30, 2018

Andy Anderson’s pinot noir happens to be the world’s best - several times over.

Andy Anderson has a passion for Pinot Noir and has just won the Oscars of the wine world, for the second time.

His prize Pinot Noir from Takapoto Estate has taken the trophy at the International Wine and Spirit awards in London.

The official award - New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year - was taken from more than 3,500 Pinot Noir entries from more than 14 countries.

Adding weight to his achievement, Mr Anderson is far from a big player.

He says his production is only about 350 cases and uses grapes from two lone vineyards, Bannockburn and Gibbston Valley.

But for an industry that relies on time and patience, this is something Andy has in short supply.

He was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and has been given months to live.

However the relaxed winemaker is philosophical about his future.

"It's not going to define or determine who I am or what I have done," he said.

Mr Anderson said the diagnosis is not going to get to him that easily.

"I have too much to do."

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