NZ Wine is leading the charge in sustainable practices

Credit: Akarua

NZ Winegrowers have released their 2022 Sustainability report in time for Earth Day and the snapshot shows New Zealand wineries as world leaders in the field of sustainable practices. Something we can be very proud of. This from Winegrowers with a link to the report.

New Zealand Winegrowers have released their 2022 Sustainability Report, providing a snapshot of the New Zealand wine industry’s sustainability journey.

The report measures and communicates the New Zealand wine industry’s commitment and progress across six key focus areas of sustainability: climate, water, waste, soil, plant protection, and people.

Showcasing data collected from the 1840 vineyards and 310 wineries certified under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) programme, the report highlights how sustainability differentiates the New Zealand wine industry on the world stage. 

“The New Zealand wine industry has rightfully earned its place as one of the most progressive wine producing nations in the world. With the data we have available from SWNZ, we have a unique opportunity to tell our wine sustainability story at a time when caring for people and place is so aligned to our customer’s values,” says Dr Edwin Massey, General Manager of Sustainability at New Zealand Winegrowers.

“Over 96% of all vineyard area in New Zealand is now certified as sustainable through the SWNZ programme, with 10% of New Zealand wineries holding organic certification. It’s an achievement we can be proud of, but the real work is ensuring we not only sustain but elevate our position with an enduring commitment to continuous improvement.”

The report is released just in time for Earth Day 2022 on Friday 22 April, the theme of which is Invest In Our Planet, with a focus on how the world takes action on climate. The industry goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 has the New Zealand wine industry firmly committed to a low emissions pathway, and exciting developments in vineyards and in wineries are already well underway. 

“It’s the positive individual actions of New Zealand wine businesses that add up to make a big impact across the wine industry, and that are helping to deliver lasting change.”

“For our growers and wineries, sustainability means growing grapes and producing our world-famous wines in such a way that we can do so for generations to come. Every little bit counts. It means consumers can trust that their bottle of New Zealand wine has been made with respect for our world and for our people.”

Find the New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainability Report 2022 online here: https://www.nzwine.com/sustainability-report

The Hawke's Bay Wine Auction is back for 2022

The iconic Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction returns in 2022 for its 30th year after sadly having to cancel in 2011 due to COVID. Each year this incredible event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for Cranford Hospice.

Lots promised for 2021 will be carried over into the 2022 event & this year’s Ambassador Blend is a flavour sensation collaboration between Elephant Hill head winemaker Hugh Crichton and event ambassador TV3’s Mike McRoberts

This from Hawke’s Bay Wine:

HAWKE’S BAY WINE AUCTION TO FORGE AHEAD

This year we celebrate the postponed 30th Hawke's Bay Wine Auction and continued support from wineries within the region generously creating wine blends to be auctioned and gifted to Cranford Hospice.  

The 2022 event will be hosted on 17th September at ToiToi HB Arts and Events Centre, drawing oenophiles, wine lovers and those that enjoy a casual glass of wine with friends from near and far.

The Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction committee are delighted to announce the auction will forge ahead one way or another, with an online auction being created as an alternative if the live event is unable to proceed.  Auction lots which were intended for the 2021 event will be auctioned this year. The impressive line-up includes 40 live wine lots, one feature artist and a travel package.  

Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, General Manager – Elisha Milmine says, ‘I am truly grateful for the support of long-term partners MRD Web and Digital Marketing along with Harcourts Hawke’s Bay who are working with us to develop fit for purpose online auction software which will allow the auction to proceed one way or another.”  Milmine says “it is a huge relief to know we will be raising much needed funds for Cranford Hospice again this year, after COVID restrictions put a stop to the 2021 event”

The Live Auction includes packages, from Alpha Domus, Askerne, Bilancia, Black Barn, Bostock Wine, Bridge Pa Triangle Wine District, Brookfields, Church Road, Clearview Estate, Collaboration, Crab Farm Winery, Craggy Range, Decibel Wines, Easthope Family Winegrowers, Elephant Hill, Esk Valley Estate, Gimblett Gravels Association, Hawke's Bay Wine, Helio Wines, HopesGrove Wines, Junction Wines, Lime Rock, Mission Estate Winery, Monowai Estate, Ngatarawa Wine, Paritua Wines, Pask Winery, Radburnd Cellars, Sileni Estates, Smith & Sheth, Squawking Magpie, Stonecroft, Te Awanga Estate, Te Mata Estate, Tony Bish Wines, Trinity Hill Wines, Villa Maria, House of Travel Hastings and this year’s Feature Artist – John Lancashire.  Along with a selection of Silent Auction lots which will be available to bid on at the event.

This year’s Ambassador Blend is a collaboration with Event Ambassador Mike McRoberts, Elephant Hill and winemaker Hugh Crichton. 

WineWorks, Director and Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, Principal Sponsor - Tim Nowell-Usticke said “We are thrilled the auction will be in a position to proceed this year with either an online auction or live auction, to raise funds for Cranford Hospice.  We love being the Principal Sponsor for Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction and supporting our generous Hawke’s Bay wineries and community in putting on this great event.”

Artist John Lancashire has painted ‘You can’t tell the sky what to do’ a triptych piece of art split into three canvasses.  There was plenty of interest in this triptych art last year, so we are confident it will be a popular lot at this year’s auction.  Three canvas stretchers at 910 W x 1210 H x 30 with a combined measurement of 2730 x 1210. 

Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction is your chance to group together with friends, wander the room speaking with winemakers while tasting often unique and always exceptional wines they have on auction.  This is followed by the fun and lively auction, raise your paddles to walk away with some of Hawke’s Bay’s finest wines, one travel package or our feature art piece. There is a blend, a collection, an experience that will captivate everyone.  

All auction proceeds go to the Cranford Hospice, to help them continue doing what they do so well.

Event tickets will be on sale in July for $60 at www.hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz and absentee bidding is also available.  To follow update’s sign up on the website or ‘like’ Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction, Facebook page.

Diner En Blanc 2018

It’s no secret that Diner En Blanc is one of my favourite nights of the year. Most likely because I’m such a romantic & the thought of hundreds of people all dressed in their finest white outfits meeting to party at a secret location....well, it’s pretty fairytale. 

With the weather being a concern, I was relieved to find out that DEB Auckland would be undercover at The Cloud as while I  had an amazing time at the historic "wet AF" DEB16, dry is definitely my preference. Having the event under cover is techincally bending the international DEB rules, but The Cloud is really just a big tent, right? 

The cool kids from Dry & Tea were there again to give any ladies requiring a hair refresh after lugging he whole picnic kit & kaboodle around town. (I love that!) and then it was just a case of setting up, greeting friends & fellow former DEB-ers (ended up sitting beside the same people as last year) and wait for the official start of the event which is represented by twirling of white napkins overhead. 

Once again the wine sponsors were Church Road & Perrier Jouet and, of course, the credenza was set up as a photograph/ insta story/ snapchat haven, there was one flawand that's that the Perrier Jouet light was so bright it completely dominated & washed out photos as it got darker, which was a shame as lets be honest, photos taken in this space are most definitely 'for the gram'. But if that's the only thing I can fault DEB18 for (and it is) then there is little to be upset about. 

Diner En Blanc always has a lot to live up to as I await it with anticipation every year, so the potential for disappointment is pretty high, but it has yet to fail me. The organisation is spot on, the venue was amazing, the crowd is always a great one, the entertainment is on point & it really feels like everyone is there to celebrate and have a good time. 

Have a look at the video below to see a one minute snippet of my personal Diner En Blanc experience. 

Looking forward to DEB19 already....

Veuve Clicquot tasting with Wine Maker Stephanie Roposte

Being asked to drink vintage rosé Champagne, overlooking the ocean all the while celebrating a remarkable woman? That's the Mermaid trifecta....you couldn't keep me away if you tried.

Veuve Clicquot Wine Maker Stephanie Roposte was in Auckland this week to celebrate the 200th year anniversary of Veuve Cliquot Rosé, the world's first rosé champagne made by one of the most innovative women in wine - Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, the "Grand Dame of Champagne" who after her husband died when she was merely 27, took over the running of his Champagne house and turned it into the iconic, internationally renowned brand we know today. This would be no mean feat for a woman today but when you put it into the context that, at this point in history woman weren't permitted to own their own bank account, it makes the accomplishment of Veuve (French for Widow) Clicquot all the more significant.

Apart from chatting & quaffing vintage Champagne - as in addition to the Non Vintage Rosé we were treated to couple of glasses of the 2008 vintage (2002 & 2008 are regarded as the greatest vintages of that decade), yes you can hate me now - I also got a chance to talk to Stephanie about what it is that makes Veuve Cliquot just so very special.

So this Woman's Week I advocating for women everywhere to get together over a glass Veuve Clicquot Rosé, to celebrate the shift happening in our world today & to appreciate how lucky we are to have follow in the steps of women like Madame Veuve Clicquot.

Thanks to the team at Dark Horse for the opportunity to come along & celebrate!

The Aperol Garden Pop Up - The Deck At Ostro

Something kinda cool is happening a few flights of stairs above Britomart. The Aperol Garden is a little piece of Italian Heaven in the centre of the city. This pop-up which is only around until March 16th is on the deck at Ostro is is 100% dedicated to the the Aperol Spritz.

There is no doubt about it the Aperol Spritz is enjoying remarkable popularity, however did you know that Aperol has been around since 1919, almost 100 years.

In Italy the Aperol Spritz is the definitive Spritz, n Italian Spritz always has a bitter element as bitter flavours are the norm there. The other vital element is Prosecco, therefore for it to be a genuine Italian Spritz you should only use this style of Sparkling wine & no other.

Last but definitely not least, the Aperol Spritz is a cocktail which is one standard drink, which at a time when we are moderating our alcohol intake and when drink driving laws are stricter than ever, it's pretty cool to have a cocktail that has less alcohol in it than a glass of wine.

Head along to the Aperol Pop Up at The Deck at Ostro to enjoy your own delicious Aperol Spritz and a platter of Italian delights. They might even let you make your own Spritz if you feel so inclined!

Take a sneak peak at the fun I had at this cool pop-up below.

The deck at Ostro has an awesome pop up happening until March 16th! Get there & enjoy this iconic Italian spritz

The Stoneleigh Courtyard

Trudi Nelson (Fresh Factory), Kylie Robertson (Pernod Ricard) & Me

Photo: Norrie Montgomery

I have to admit to previously not even knowing that Te Wero Island was a place, I previously referred to it as "the place beside the bridge between The Viaduct & Wynyard Quarter". However right now this little piece of Auckland its kinda the place to be as there is an awesome new pop-up bar just in time for the Volvo Ocean Race boats to arrive.

Wine brand Stoneleigh have pulled out all the stops to make an ocean-side garden paradise in the heart of the city, vine-covered archways, beautiful seating, trees, gravel, grass and even beanbags if you are so inclined (beanbags, great idea in theory, but just not when wearing a short skirt and there is absolutely NO elegant way to extricate yourself from a beanbag) anyhoo, I digress. 

The Stoneleigh Courtyard opened last week and like all pop-ups it isn't around for long,  March 18th is the final day and this garden venue is a prime location for being in the centre of the excitement surrounding the Volvo Ocean Race as it's right beside the Ocean Race Village. 

Pop in and enjoy a yummy Stoneleigh wine (naturally) or a cold Peroni or indulge yourself at the Frose cart (coz - yes!) which is also in situ. The deliciousness is not limited to drinks, as a full menu is also available, which is no mean feat for a pop up. I have to say that if the standard of food is as good as we experienced at the launch then it comes highly recommended from me. 

Last week at the Stoneleigh Courtyard was my first trip but definitely won't be my last, I am heading down there for a delicious wine and some treats with friends next week to watch the world go by before this little city oasis is gone for good!

Deets in summery: The Stoneleigh Courtyard, Te Wero Island until March 18th. Stoneleigh Wine, Peroni Beer, Froze & delish eats

Grey Goose Cocktail Pop Up at Custom Lane Launch

For those of you who haven't been to Custom Lane it's a hidden gem in the heart of the city. Attached to the  Grand Mercure Hotel, Customs Street during the day this sleepy little laneway serves coffee and doughnuts however at night for the next two weeks it is being transformed into a cool inner city pop-up cocktail bar hosted by none other than luxury French vodka brand Grey Goose.

Each night of the week Grey Goose cocktails are being served with delicious French inspired food pairings available as well as a cool crepe station where you can get a deliciously decadent crepe made to order.

Photo: Norrie Montgomery

This pop-up couldn't be better timed as the days are warmer & the nights are longer and sitting in this cool alleyway while the breeze blows through while enjoying a Grey Goose cocktail isn't to shabby a way to spend an Auckland evening! Combine that with the fact that DJ Karn Hall will be manning the decks on Thursday & Friday evenings and the real question is why wouldn't you check it out?

We tried a range of cocktails on the night but the two biggest crowd pleasers on the night were the iconic Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz  and the Grey Goose Espresso Martini.

The Pop-Up at Custom Lane runs from Friday 24th November to Saturday 9th December every night from 3pm.

Go check it out.

The Bombay Botanicals Bazaar Launch

Photo: Norrie Montgomery

Back for a third successful year the now well established Bombay Sapphire event has evolved once again. This year sees the Fresh Factory transformed into a hub of 5 international food stalls each matched with a Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail.

The event is held over 5 nights only from November 1st - 5th inclusive &it is an event not to be missed. Take a tour around each of the stalls sampling culinary delights from Spain, Italy, Germany, China & Morocco each matched with a absolutely delicious & well matched gin cocktail.

My favourite cocktail of the night was the cocktail from China, but my favourite food pick of the night came from Spain....coz who wants to play by the rules and put the suggested matches together? :) This is an event where there really is something for everyone to enjoy & did I mention they also have a "make your own" gin cocktail stall with G&T on tap.....now that's my kinda party!

This awesome event is the brainchild of cocktail guru & Bombay Sapphire Ambassador Chase Bickerton and Jamie Johnston who brought us the pop-up restaurant Judge Bao and it is flawlessly executed with each cocktail stall manned by some of Auckland's finest hospitality staff serving cocktails that are truly next level (spoiler alert - there's dry ice involved & if that isn't an Instagram moment then I don't know what is)

The Bombay Botanicals Bazaar is at the Fresh Factory, Nikau Street, Auckland now until Sunday & tickets available on iTicket now. Tickets include two dish and cocktail matches with additional meal/cocktail tickets available to buy either online or at the event. Do not miss this event!

Wine Launch: SOHO Pink Sheep Rosé at SPQR

Image by Norrie Montgomery

On a particularly miserable Auckland evening, we gathered at SPQR on Ponsonby Road to celebrate the launch of SOHO Wine Co's newest wine - Pink Sheep. A Rosé whose name is inspired by the extraordinarily talented designer Alexander McQueen who tragically took his own life after a battle with depression & anxiety at the age of only 40. 

In a fitting tribute, this Pink Sheep (a nickname McQueen gave himself) is helping New Zealanders battle the stigma attached to mental health issues & also hoping to help turn the tide on suicide in this country, which sadly sits as one of the highest in the OECD by giving 50c from each bottle sold to the Key To Life Charitable Trust 

To understand just why this charity is so important to the team at Soho - give my interview with Rachael Carter from Soho Wine Co a look, as she outlines just why this cause is so dear to her heart & why she - and the rest of the team at Soho want to make a real difference.

As for the launch - a great night was had by all - the Rosé was flowing, the food was delicious & the speeches were the perfect combination of inspirational & short :)

How can you be unhappy when you have a perfect glass of pink Rosé in your hand? Let the wind howl (and it did!) we certainly didn't care. 

Rachael Carter - the MD of Soho Wines also announced that non-other than Raymond Chan had given Pink Sheep a 5 Star rating - this is not a rating that Raymond Chan (or any respected wine expert) gives away lightly, so yet another reason to get your hands on a bottle of this delicious Rosé. 

Pink Sheep 2017 Rosé is available at all good liquor retailers from October 2nd (ie now!)