Chardonnay rules the day at the inaugural National Wine Awards

The inaugural National Wine Awards of Aotearoa released it’s trophy winners at a celebration on Auckland’s Waterfront and it seems like it was a win for chardonnay with Isabel Estate’s Chardonnay taking the wine of the show in addition to their trophy in the chardonnay class.

To be the best wine out of 800 is no mean feat, so huge congratulations to the team at Marlborough’s Isabel Estate.

This from the National Wine Awards:

It’s a Chardonnay day at the inaugural National Wine Awards waterfront celebration

Chardonnay wins top honours at the inaugural National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020 won the Champion Wine of the Show as well as scooping the New World Trophy for Champion Chardonnay and its winemaker Jeremy McKenzie took top honours as Winemaker of the Show at the Awards of Excellence luncheon celebration at Auckland’s Hilton waterfront hotel today. 

Chair of Judges, Jane Cooper, commented on the incredible balance of the wine, noting the tension between acid and fruit.  

“It’s a feat of brilliance to bring that richness and texture to the palate while maintaining spark and lightness,” Cooper said. “It’s a thrill of a wine, and Jeremy’s understanding and mastery are on clear display.  I can’t wait to see what’s next.” 

Isabel Estate has a long tradition of Chardonnay, with 30-year old Mendoza vines contributing to this stellar wine.  McKenzie has been in charge since 2014 (starting there on his birthday) converting much of the vineyard to organic principles with an eye on top end chardonnay for the long haul.

The Luncheon, emceed by Jesse Mulligan, the “affordable John Campbell” (in his own words) awarded 17 Trophies, including the Auckland A&P Association Heritage Rosebowl that rewards wines that reflect a consistency of style over time, the winner of which was Wanaka’s three vintages of Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling (2012, 2016, 2021).

Family-owned Hawke’s Bay winery Askerne was the popular winner of two trophies, including the New Zealand Couriers Trophy for Champion Gewürztraminer, and Central Otago’s Providore Pinot Noir 2019 took out the hotly contested Rural News Group Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir.

Full list of trophy Winners

Rapid Labels Trophy for Champion Sparkling: Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvée 2017

Dish Magazine Trophy for Champion Pinot Gris: Duck Hunter Marlborough Pinot Gris 2022

Antipodes Trophy for Champion Riesling: Mud House Single Vineyard The Mound Riesling 2021

Guala Closures NZ Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc: Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Wineworks Trophy for Champion Rosé: Squawking Magpie First Flight Startled Pink 2022

Trophy for Champion Other White Varieties: Askerne Viognier 2021

Rural News Group Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir: Providore Pinot Noir 2019

Mainfreight Trophy for Champion Export Wine: Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Guala Closures NZ Trophy for Best Presented Screwcap Wine Bottle: Te Kano Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc 2021

New World Trophy for Champion Chardonnay: Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020

Trophy for Champion Merlot & Blends: Mud House Hawke's Bay Merlot 2021

Trophy for Champion Syrah: Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2021

Fruitfed Trophy for Champion Cabernet & Blends: Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2020

New Zealand Couriers Trophy for Champion Gewurztraminer: Askerne Reserve Gewurztraminer 2021

Trophy for Champion Other Red Varieties: Leftfield Hawkes Bay Malbec 2020

winejobsonline.com Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine: Villa Maria Reserve Noble Riesling 2021

Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association Heritage Rose Bowl: Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling 2012 / 2016 / 2021

Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show: Isabel Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2020

Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association Winemaker of the Show: Jeremy McKenzie

Appellation Marlborough reveals it's first ever annual collection

For the first time Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) has released its “annual collection”. Twelve Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs from its membership which have been chosen by a panel of three wine experts as the very best Marlborough has to offer.

This from Appellation Marlborough:

APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE’S ANNUAL COLLECTION REVEALED

The Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection was launched earlier this month to highlight the calibre of Sauvignon Blanc being produced across the Marlborough region. Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) Chair Ivan Sutherland says “The quality and distinctive flavour on offer when you choose 100% Marlborough is unparalleled. Each year our annual collection will be representative of the season past, whilst showcasing the talented producers in our region and our distinctive terroir.”

After a blind selection tasting by impartial industry experts Emma Jenkins MW, Liz Wheadon, and Cameron Douglas MS on 14th September 2022, the inaugural collection can now be revealed:

The AMW Annual Collection 2022

APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH WINE’S ANNUAL COLLECTION 2022

Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Awatere Valley)

Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Multi sub-regional)

Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Dillons Point)

Blind River Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Awatere Valley)

Framingham Nobody’s Hero Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Wairau Valley)

Lawson's Dry Hills Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Waihopai & Wairau Valleys)

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Multi sub-regional)

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Wairau Valley)

Whitehaven Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022 (Multi sub-regional)

Blank Canvas ‘Abstract’ Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Dillons Point)

Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (Southern & Wairau Valleys)

Nautilus Estate The Paper Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Renwick)

The Appellation Marlborough Wine Annual Collection 2022 is a selection of 12 current release Sauvignon Blancs, incorporating nine classic and three alternative (aged, oak influenced, and/or wild ferment) styles. The collection will be determined yearly by an independent panel of three judges following a comprehensive blind tasting of submitted member wines.

This year’s inaugural judges provided expertise that traverses the wine industry from wine media, off-premise and on-premise. “We were ecstatic to draw on such experienced judges and depth of industry knowledge to choose this first Annual Collection,” says Amanda McRae, AMW coordinator.

The judges evaluated the 60 Sauvignon Blancs individually before a robust discussion on findings and, by day’s end, an unanimous final selection.

Emma Jenkins MW

The challenging conditions of the 2022 vintage, with Marlborough and New Zealand as a whole witnessing untimely weather events, seasonal labour shortages and an ongoing pandemic, underscore the need to be selective when choosing between wines.

“Appellation Marlborough Wine was established to safeguard our region, not the least during these more strenuous times. Our members are committed to crafting the best possible wine they can, harnessing the vitality of our region and respecting the season,” says Ivan. “The breadth and quality of wines submitted to our Annual Collection tasting reiterate AMW’s unwavering objective to safeguard Marlborough and respect our unique turangawaewae.”*

“Whilst I’m probably too much of a purist,” says Liz. "Vintage variation is so important and needs to be part of the narrative to a greater extent from Marlborough. Some consistency is key year to year; for me it’s celebrating the differences and the opportunity to talk about a vintage.”

“I enjoyed the number of wines that had not tried too hard,” says Liz. “They knew what they had in terms of the quality of the grapes and made beautifully balanced wines.”

Emma says she was curious to get a good look at the 2022 vintage, being one that challenged most regions throughout New Zealand. “It was an impressive looking collection of wines, making it hard to choose the final 12.” Cameron agreed saying that there were 18 wine that could easily have made it to the final selection.

The judges’ final selection showcases Marlborough’s hallmark purity of fruit, freshness, and vivid, juicy acidity says Emma. “It also covers the broad range of styles now typical across the region.”

“There are some very clever, thoughtful winemakers in Marlborough,” says the master of wine. “And this was a year that they rose to the challenges of the season to deliver wines of quality and character. We were impressed by the number of wines with texture and elegance, and think wine-lovers will find much to enjoy.”

Throughout the blind tasting, conversations around Marlborough subregions, regional subsets, and wine styles began. It came as no surprise that with such a large numbers of Sauvignon Blancs side by side that the judges were drawing connections and conclusions. “Wines that were a bit edgy grabbed my attention,” says Cameron.

“I am really pleased AMW is continuing to refine and improve the initiative’s philosophy and principles via their own internal quality control tastings and with this independently-selected tasting,” says Emma. “Now more than ever, it is really important to put a stake in the ground emphasising the values and aspirations of Marlborough as a region. It’s easy to forget just how youthful Marlborough is as a region, only just approaching its 50th anniversary of vines in the ground, and it is very heartening indeed to see AMW members’ commitment to integrity and quality, for they highlight the most important path forward to its future.”

*Turangawaewae is the Maori word for ‘a place to stand’.

NZ's largest independent spirits brand - releases a range of Single Malts

It seems to me that the innovative team at Scrapegrace, never cease doing things that are worth talking about. Case in point they are poised to release a set of limited edition NZ single malts.

Let’s be clear, undertaking a project to make great whisky, isn’t something you do in a day, a week or even a year, it’s a decades long process and Scapegrace took the first steps six years ago when they started reserving or “putting down” whiskys in anticipation of this grand reveal.

Beyond excited for these new releases.

This from the team at Scapegrace:

New Zealand’s largest independent spirits brand, Scapegrace, has announced the release of its highly anticipated first whisky; a limited-edition range of Single Malts. The announcement comes off the back of the company’s latest NZ $25m distillery project, revealed in Central Otago earlier this year.

Crafted on the edge of the earth in Central Otago, New Zealand, Scapegrace whisky sees the sunrise before the rest of the world. New world whisky from the future. Whisky beyond its time.

The Central Otago distillery situated within the mountainous landscape of Lake Dunstan, will in time produce the entirety of its current portfolio of super premium gin and vodka, and provides Scapegrace with the perfect climate and water quality for producing whisky. The 45th parallel (halfway point between equator and south pole) runs directly through Scapegrace’s distillery site, giving hot and cold temperature extremes during the year – an optimum environment for aging whisky.

Scapegrace co-founder and Managing Director Daniel McLaughlin says, “We have been quietly putting down whisky over the past six years and the team are now finally ready to unveil Scapegrace’s Single Malt.”

As Scapegrace edges closer to revealing its core expression in 2024, the brand will release a small number of rare, interesting Limited Release Single Malt products. Each expression will be released in chronical order and together form a collectible series of individually numbered bottles, never to be repeated. The narrative of each limited release tells the Scapegrace story both poetically and visually.

Co-founder and Marketing Director of Scapegrace, Mark Neal adds, “The Single Malt journey has been part of the brand’s strategic direction since early creation, with a real focus on pioneering the movement of New Zealand Single Malt Whisky on the global stage. With a great ambition to showcase New Zealand Single Malt to the world, we are thrilled to release our first allocation of Scapegrace Limited Release Single Malt.”

McLaughlin says, “Back in 2014 when we launched Scapegrace, we always knew Single Malt would be a core part of our strategic direction. We have the facilities and natural resources to create some of the best whisky in the world and we are so excited to finally be delivering on our promise.”

Scapegrace has created four limited releases in the first drop:

● Rise I, which has been aged for 5 years in Virgin French Oak barrels and has tasting notes of cinnamon, hints of rich creamy vanilla and buttered toast.

● The second expression is Chorus II, also aged in Virgin French Oak barrels, for three years. Chorus II has notes of citrus blossom, poached pears and elegant all-spice.

● Revenant III is made with manuka smoked laureate grains and has been aged in barrel for three years. On the nose, expect aromas of warm, smoky embers, followed by a mocha and bitter chocolate finish on the palate.

● Finally, Timbre IV, aged for 3 years in Bulgarian oak, has notes of baked apples, stewed plums and vanilla sponge.

The Single Malt whisky will be available in store and online at a selection of retailers nationwide and on scapegracedistillery.com for $119.99 - $129.00 (NZD).

The 2022 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year has been announced

In wine we talk a lot about the role of the winemaker and the importance of what they do. Wine, however, is a primary industry and sometimes the vital work of the viticulturist is overlooked.

Thanks to NZ Winegrowers and Corteva - the next generation of Viti is being fostered and encouraged onto continuing their work growing great things!

This from NZ Winegrowers:

Tahryn Mason is the 2022 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year         

Congratulations to Tahryn Mason from Villa Maria in Marlborough, who became the 2022 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year.  The National Final was held on 30 August at Indevin’s Bankhouse in Marlborough with the announcement made at the Awards Dinner the following evening.

It has been a busy few months for Tahryn, aged 30, as he also recently became a father for the first time.  The Young Vit competition is open to those 30 years and younger working in viticulture, so Tahryn was determined to take out the prestigious title in his last year of competing.  Tahryn originally competed in the Auckland/Northern competition in 2019 when he was working at Villa Maria in Auckland, before moving to Marlborough in 2020. 

“This competition has been the driving force and making of my career” he says.  The competition helps grow Young Vits by giving them support, focus and opportunities to upskill and widen their networks.

“It’s very rewarding to see Young Vits grow and progress over the years,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers and National Co-Ordinator of the competition. “The competition helps them focus on studying and upskilling as well as opening many doors for them.  It is fantastic to see the passion the Young Vits have for viticulture and their determination to win this competition.  It’s tough but comes with so many rewards.” 

Congratulations also to Katie Cameron, from Escarpment, Wairarapa who came second and Tai Nelson from Soljans Estate in Kumeu, Auckland who came third.   Laura Marston and Nina Downer also excelled themselves with Laura winning the infamous Biostart Hortisports and Nina receiving an award for coming third with her Research Project.

This year the finalists had to research and share their ideas on the following:  How can we reduce tractor passes and carbon emissions in my vineyard.

This theme also linked in with the Toitu & Technology Conference and Field Day which was run in conjunction with the national final.  Wine industry leaders and suppliers to the industry demonstrated how we can continue to forge ahead by embracing new technologies and products, whilst at the same time protecting our environment and reducing our carbon emissions.

Tahryn takes home an incredible prize package which includes a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis travel grant, an educational visit to Australia with Corteva, a Leadership Week, Bahco golden and electric secateurs, AEG power tools and cash.  Tahryn will go on to represent the wine industry in the 2023 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition.

Last year’s Young Vit winner Sam Bain, from Villa Maria in Hawke’s Bay, will be competing in this year’s Young Hort being held in Auckland in November.

The competition is made possible thanks to all the sponsors involved: Corteva Agriscience, BioStart, Ecotrellis, Hyundai, Constellation Brands, Empak, Fruitfed Supplies, Fendt, Ormond Nurseries, Roots, Shoots & Fruits, Klima, Waterforce, Villa Maria-Indevin, Bahco, AEG, NZSVO and Winejobsonline. 

Fabulous at Forty - Neudorf Vineyards Celebrates 40 Vintages

Neudorf Vineyards founded by Tim in Judy Finn in Upper Moutere, near Nelson at the top of the South Island celebrates a major milestone this year as they release their 40th Vintage. A significant history when you consider the New Zealand wine industry isn’t that much older - making the Finns a founding family of NZ Wine.

Massive congratulations Neudorf!

This from the team at Neudorf Vineyards:

Tim & Judy Finn

In October, Neudorf Vineyards released their 40th vintage – a testament to hard work, high hopes, common-sense and good humour.

The aims of the family winery near Nelson haven’t waivered in the last four decades – in 1981 as Tim and Judy Finn picked the first grapes from their small Upper Moutere vineyard, they were striving for the best out of their land. 

At that stage there were only a handful of vineyards in New Zealand, and Neudorf was just Nelson’s second to go into production. Talking to Judy Finn, what astounds is their sheer bravery, mixed with hopeful naivety. 

“We have come a long way since the long drop, the home-made grafting machine and the armchair tied to the back of the tractor where I held two water guns to ensure young vines survived,” Judy says.  “Today’s Health and Safety would have had a fit.”

Thankfully a few things have changed at Neudorf, flushing loos for one – but the aim of making great wine and seeing it on the world’s best wine lists remains the same.

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Neudorf. Tim was inspired by the “back to the land” movement of the late 60s, so it’s only fitting that today Neudorf is not only run organically (certified BIO GRO 5438) but runs on solar power from panels installed on the north side of the red winery roof. Their three blocks are dry farmed, everything is composted and the forklift is electric.

Winemaker Todd Stevens & Marketing & Sales Director Rosie Finn

However, sustainability is more than environmental standards alone, and after over four decades of  global recognition for their portfolio, Neudorf has cemented itself in the best of New Zealand wine.  

There have been some significant highlights over the years – Neudorf Home Block Moutere Chardonnay scoring Bob Campbell’s first ever 100 points, Home Vineyard Moutere Pinot Noir making the cover of Decanter magazine and an abundance of world class reviews.

But, as Judy says, it is an industry that keeps you humble: “There is always another wine, another weather event, a new style. It’s ever changing and that’s what keeps it interesting and why we love the challenge.”

Today, Tim and Judy’s daughter Rosie along with GM and Winemaker Todd Stevens are at the helm of Neudorf.

“Todd is very forward thinking and a strategist at heart, we know that Neudorf is in a very safe pair of hands as we attempt to retire and step back from the day-to-day running of the company.”

Rosie joined the company six years ago and is now a director, but she prefers to style herself as ‘International Cheerleader’.

“Rosie promised to ‘never work in the family business’ as a teenager,” Judy recalls, “so it is a joy to have her home and witness as she works with Todd to move the company into a new era.”

“I guess after 40 years, there are some people I would like to thank, because we absolutely wouldn’t be here without them - the familiar and loyal names that have been buying our wine all this time, the distributors who place our wine in great restaurants – impossible to do from Upper Moutere, fellow winemakers who have been on the end of the phone for advice, dropped in for a glass and shared triumphs and losses. But mostly - the people who have worked with us over the years – there was a time we thought we could do it ourselves, how wrong we were. Picking, pruning, accounting, it takes a small but dedicated team. Tim and I are forever grateful.”

Cheers to the next 40.

North Canterbury's Greystone Wine awarded Qualmark

Hot on the heels of their recent net carbonzero certification Greystone wine in North Canterbury have been awarded the Qualmark certification under the “Sustainable Tourism Business” criteria. This certification helps tourists and travellers seeking the best sustainable experiences in New Zealand.

This from Greystone:

Greystone Winery awarded Qualmark recognition

Sustainability efforts were recognised once more with national tourism certification granted to Greystone Wines.

Greystone Wines, located in Waipara, has been awarded Qualmark recognition under the Sustainable Tourism Business criteria.

The certification, which is supported by Tourism NZ, comes after Greystone’s recent recognition as Toitū Envirocare net carbonzero certified.

Qualmark General Manager Steven Dixon says Greystone Wines has a very compelling story to tell, as a certified organic winery and vineyard.

“The diversity of soil types, aspects and the different varieties planted has created a high-quality, wide and interesting selection of wines for their cellar door experience. The restaurant experience and menu using locally-sourced ingredients only add to the guest experience,” says Steven.

The Qualmark certification is designed to help travellers select experiences based on excellence and best practise in high-quality, safe and sustainable experiences. 

Greystone general manager Nick Gill says Greystone is proud to show excellence in the sustainability space.

“We’ve dedicated endless hours and resources to reduce our environmental impact over several years, however we’re still in the early days and we only want to keep improving all areas of the business. We’ve proven it is possible to be carbon-certified and organic and we hope our efforts encourage others in the wine industry to follow suit.”

Greystone’s entire 50-hectare vineyard, located in the North Canterbury wine region, is certified organic with BioGro New Zealand. The company has clocked up numerous awards, with the award-winning Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir produced using an age-old outdoor winemaking method that sees grapes handpicked and fermented outside in the vineyard rows where the fruit is grown.  

Iconic Coleraine 26 Vintage Vertical to auction in Hawke's Bay next later this month

New Zealand Wine lovers need no introduction to Te Mata Estate’s iconic Coleraine. The premium Bordeaux style blend is made from grapes sourced from the finest grape parcels available to Te Mata Estate. With the current vintage (2020) retailing at $140 - if it hasn’t already sold out - the sky is the limit when it comes to the potential price-tag of 26 vintages as one single lot.

The sale of the rare and prestigious lot will benefit Cranford Hospice, who are the annual beneficiaries of The Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction which takes place on September 17th.

This from Hawke’s Bay Wine:

Remarkable Te Mata Estate Coleraine 26 vintage vertical for auction

Organisers of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious wine auction are looking forward to the much anticipated 30th Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction.  The in-person event is being held in just over a month on 17th September at ToiToi HB Arts and Events Centre. 

The impressive auction lot line-up includes bespoke, one-off wines from some of the most prestigious wineries in Hawke’s Bay, collaborations between winemakers, luxury accommodation and restaurants, one travel package and one feature art piece which this year is by John Lancashire.  This year we have a truly remarkable 26 vintage vertical of Te Mata Estate Coleraine, which has been generously contributed by one of our long-term sponsors, Isaacs Plumbing, Pumping and Electrical.   

Since the release of the first vintage in 1982, Te Mata Coleraine has established itself as New Zealand’s greatest red wine, it’s annual release selling out in just weeks. For serious wine lover’s, Coleraine is a “must have”, and the cornerstone for every NZ wine collector’s cellar. Coleraine is a standout at NZ’s wine auctions, both commercial and charity. In March ’21, a single 750ml bottle of Te Mata Coleraine sold for more than $1,000, a new record for any NZ wine at a commercial auction.

Te Mata Estate, Chief Executive – Nick Buck, said “Coleraine collections being offered for sale are very rare, especially verticals like this, due to the time it takes to assemble them. We know of only five verticals that have ever been offered for sale. Their rarity always creates extra interest. Isaac’s donation of this 26-bottle Coleraine vertical to the Hawkes Bay Wine Auction for Cranford Hospice is extraordinarily generous and a fantastic opportunity for the successful bidder.”

Isaacs Plumbing, Pumping and Electrical, Director - Gavin Streeter, says “Isaacs are wrapped to be a part of this event! We have been a sponsor for a number of years, but this is our first auction lot. This donation has real meaning for us, having had a team member go through Cranford recently. We will be there on the day and look forward to the auction, here’s hoping that we set another record for this amazing charity!”

Coleraine derives its name from the town in Northern Ireland where John Buck’s late grandfather was born. It is an assemblage of the finest wines produced from distinct plots within Te Mata’s oldest Havelock Hills vineyards, first planted in 1892. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it displays the concentration, complexity and elegance found in the world’s finest wines. It is purchased by collectors, traders, investors and wine lovers and is the most valued and searched for NZ wine in the secondary market.

This Te Mata Coleraine vertical of 26 vintages covers the span 1994 – 2020 (minus non producing 2012), opportunities to acquire a piece of New Zealand heritage like this do not come up very often. 

There are only a few tickets remaining to the Hawke’s Bay Wine Auction on Saturday 17th, purchase yours now to Celebrate, Sip, Savour and bid.  Absentee bids are available for those unable to attend, details can be found on the event website.  This ‘Bonus Lot’ will be auctioned after the Lot 21 – The Ambassadors Blend. 

Tickets are available at hawkesbaywineauction.co.nz, numbers are limited and typically sell out.

NZSVO win bid to hold International Cool Climate Wine Symposium in 2026

The International Cool Climate Wine Symposium returns to New Zealand for a third time since it’s foundation 1984. The ICCW brings together professionals to focus on all aspects of winemaking from vine to glass in cooler climates, of which New Zealand is one.

This from the NZSVO:

ICCWS Returns to NZ | 25-28 January, 2026

The New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology (NZSVO) is thrilled to announce they are the next hosts of the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium (ICCWS).

Credit: NZW/Maori Point Vineyard

Having successfully hosted this globally renowned conference twice previously, the NZSVO see their winning bid as an acclamation of their previous efforts and a confirmation of the world-wide interest in New Zealand wine. “It is quite the coup that the NZSVO have secured another opportunity to host the ICCWS,” says Philip Gregan, CEO of NZ Winegrowers. “It will be a pleasure to share the NZ wine story with our industry peers and reveal how far we’ve come since NZ last hosted the ICCWS 20 years ago.”

The NZSVO exists for the promotion and dissemination of technical information in viticulture, oenology and related sciences for the benefit of the grape and wine industries of New Zealand. The primary role of its committee is to organise annual technical workshops for their industry colleagues with the intention of discussing current trends, sharing knowledge and providing analytic insights.

“We are beyond excited to host a third ICCWS,” says NZSVO chair, Jeff Sinnott. “New Zealand has grown so much since we last hosted and this past experience puts us in a unique position to create an immersive and engaging event.”

Credit; NZW/Borthwick Vineyard

The NZSVO commenced their application to host the 11th ICCWS in 2019, prior to borders closing to Covid 19 and prior to the completion of the Te Pae conference centre in Christchurch. Three years on, and the state-of-the-art Te Pae now completed and open, NZSVO knows it is the ideal host for the 2026 event. Its committee is embracing the opportunity to extend their skill sets to drive the design of a three day ‘Pure Innovation’ conference programme. “There are some very exciting research projects and industry trials happening at the moment and we hope to bring them to light in four years time,” says Jeff.

NZSVO have support from several of NZ’s most respected affiliate organisations including Plant and Food, Bragato Research Institute, Lincoln University and Auckland University. “We all contribute deep industry knowledge to the planning process, not to mention an impressive list of colleagues and contacts,” says Jeff. “The challenge may actually be keeping the programme to just three days.”

In addition to sharing cutting edge technology and the latest industry research, the NZSVO is committed to offering an immersive NZ experience. “We have partnered with Tourism New Zealand and NZ Winegrowers to offer delegates a mix of experience packages for the shoulder dates of our conference,” says Jeff. “We have such a beautiful country and diverse range of wine growing regions. It would be a disservice not to provide visiting delegates with the opportunity to experience NZ beyond the event four walls..”

The ICCWS 2022 was hosted by Brock University, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. It was the responsibility of their committee to select the next host country for the conference.

0% Cocktail from Auckland's Finery Cocktails wins Silver award at IWS

In a time where global alcohol consumption is in decline, with people moderating or abstaining from alcohol, the demand for great non-alcoholic options has never been greater.

Make no mistake, “Sober Curious” is not just another trend, what we are seeing now is the start of how things are going to be in the future. Retailers and hospitality venues would be remiss to not consider their zero alc offering and to look beyond the limited juice/water/soft drink that has been the mainstay of abstaining to date.

Quality, interesting options are most certainly out there and Auckland’s own Finery Drinks 0% Grapefruit Cucumber and Mint cocktail has won a silver medal at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

This from Finery:

Finery Cocktails takes out Silver award at IWSC

Auckland based Finery Cocktails has taken out a Silver award at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Finery’s 0% Grapefruit Cucumber and Mint cocktail was entered in the ‘alternative drinks category’ a category that includes RTD’s and low and no alcohol drinks. The alternative drinks category has been running for three years within the competition, reflecting the recent rise in low and no alcohol options.

The judges recognised Finery’s 0% percent entry for its ‘light citrus aromas with beautiful mint and cucumber notes. Subtle grapefruit characters on the palate and good carbonation gives a rounded structure and a soft mint finish.’

Founder Jane Allan says “being recognised at IWSC really is the pinnacle for us. Winning silver at a globally renowned competition demonstrates the commitment and hard work our team has put in to deliver delicious alcohol free alternatives.”

“To have our 0% recognised during Dry July is as good as it gets for us!’, concludes Allan.

The competition celebrated 50 years in 2019 and it remains as relevant today as it did when wine chemist Anton Massel founded the original format back in 1969.

When Massel created the International Wine & Spirit Competition, his aim – as it remains to this day – was to reward excellence in drinks worldwide, ensuring recognition for the very best wines and spirits. 

The IWSC is proud to set the international benchmark for quality, standing out in the crowded world of drinks awards with hundreds of global experts – including buyers, producers, distillers, sommeliers, distributors and influencers – judging wines and spirits throughout the year.”

Finery introduced its 0% range in 2020 and has seen increasing demand for viable alternatives to alcoholic beverages. 

It’s been a busy month for Finery’s founder Jane Allan, who was made a finalist in Soda Inc’s Rise Up competition, recognising female entrepreneurs that have created businesses with global potential. 

For more information about Finery Cocktails, visit https://www.finerycocktails.co.nz.

Wellington's Hippopotamus Restaurant's wine list celebrates a forth prestigious win

Anyone who has had the good fortune to dine at QT’s Wellington’s Hippopotamus restaurant knows it is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere, food, wine and service are nothing short of superb.

Their superb wine list has won Wine Spectator’s 2022 “Best of Award of Excellence” for the forth consecutive year. Winning this award year on year is a true acknowledgement of their thoughtfully chosen and diverse wine list personally chosen by Head Sommelier Florent Souche.

This from Hippopotamus:

HIPPOPOTAMUS RESTAURANT CELEBRATES PRESTIGIOUS WINE WIN FOR THE FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

QT Wellington’s signature French fine dining restaurant Hippopotamus has earned a coveted Wine Spectator ‘Best of Award of Excellence’, celebrating its prestigious wine programme, for the fourth consecutive year.

Hippopotamus is one of only three restaurants in New Zealand to be recognised in the 2022 awards and one of 1,290 restaurants worldwide to rank in the ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ category, reserved for those that offer thoughtfully chosen wine lists, containing both quality and diverse selections that are compatible with the menu’s style and pricing.

Home to more than 1100 wines, the Hippopotamus cellar is known for its unique range of classic and legendary wines from New Zealand and France. Ranging from the hyper-local Martinborough region to those further afield, the list also features selections from around the globe, spanning Italy, Spain, North and South America, South Africa, Australia, and even Iran.

Head Sommelier Florent Souche

Head Sommelier Florent Souche hand selects each bottle to ensure every taste is tended to. With a reputation for exclusivity, collectors or celebrating special occasions, there is Hippopotamus’ Prestige Wine List boasting rare back vintages, half bottles, and other selections not commercially available or sold out elsewhere.

On the win he says, “To receive this award is an incredible honour and a wonderful achievement for the team after what has been a difficult couple of years in hospitality. It’s a privilege to work alongside Executive Chef Jiwon Do to ensure the highest quality of wines that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s exquisite dining menu.”

Since first earning a Wine Spectator award in 2019, Hippopotamus invested in a new cellar complete with four new wine refrigerators for meticulous controls to maintain the wines’ highest quality. This has allowed for an expansion of the restaurant’s wine offerings, plus additions to the aging cellar for future releases.