Brown Brother's 1889 Range becomes the Origins Series

Australian’s wine stalwarts Brown Brothers have taken their popular 1889 range and rebranded it to become Brown Brother’s Origins Series with a striking and eye-catching new look.

While what’s in the bottle will remain the same, the new branding seeks to celebrate the origins of the varietals in the range.

Here in New Zealand the range will include Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Prosecco and will retail at $18.99

This from Brown Brothers:

Brown Brothers, one of Australia’s best-loved family wine businesses, which has been making wine for over 130 years, is pleased to share that its 1889 range has undergone an exciting refresh, which includes a new name and a bold and eye-catching new design to appeal to wine lovers who are looking for premium wines that not only look great but taste fabulous, too. 

While the award-winning wines within the bottle remain the same, the range is now known as Brown Brothers Origins Series.  Each wine within the range celebrates the origins of different varietals, including the sense of place you get from each of the destinations it represents – from a Shiraz inspired by Australia’s farming heritage, to a Cabernet inspired by French winemaking traditions, to a Merlot inspired by magnificent old-world estates, all of the wines within the range have been designed to help people to rediscover their taste for adventure.  

The strikingly vibrant colourful new labels for the range evoke a sense of playfulness, while ensuring they standout. Caroline Brown, Corporate Communications Manager for Brown Family Wine Group said: “We are excited to share this bold new look with New Zealand consumers and we hope that the bright and modern new labels will entice them to try something new and create ‘wine wanderlust’ by sharing a glimpse into the fascinating origins which inspired them.” 

In the NZ market, the Brown Brothers Origins Series includes a range of three red wines from popular traditional varietals, including a medium-bodied Shiraz, an elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, and a highly versatile Merlot, all of which have been grown in some of Victoria’s most premium vineyards. The range also includes a gorgeous Prosecco, which has been recently introduced to the range. The wines within the Origins Series range include: 

2018 Origins Shiraz – Inspired by the Australian spirit This medium-bodied, bright, brick-red Shiraz is inspired by Australia’s rich farming heritage. It has lifted aromas of dark berries and classic pepper notes of Heathcote Shiraz. These aromas follow through to the palate, which has generous juicy fruit and a fine tannin structure. This supple Shiraz drinks beautifully now but cellaring for 4-6 years from vintage will add complexity. 

The Brown Brothers Origins Range

2020 Origins Cabernet Sauvignon – Inspired by artisanship 

This elegant, deep crimson wine is inspired by French winemaking traditions, artisanship, and the purity of perseverance. It displays aromas of savoury blackcurrant and juicy dark fruits, with fine, supple tannins.  The 2020 Cabernet’s depth of colour and intensity of flavour show tremendous concentration and will cellar for up to seven years from vintage. 

2020 Origins Merlot – Inspired by sprawling old-world Estates 

This highly versatile medium-bodied wine was inspired by magnificent old-world estates, charming chateaux, and blooming lavender fields. In the glass, this wine shows bright purple hues and lifted aromas of red berries, dried herbs, and spices with hints of liquorice. These aromas follow through to the palate where the berry fruit flavours balance the soft tannins. It can be enjoyed now or will reward cellaring up to four years from vintage. 

2021 Origins Prosecco NV- Inspired by Italian Prosecco growing methods 

Brown Brothers was one of the first winemakers to plant Prosecco in Victoria’s cool climate King Valley. The King Valley is climatically the closest region in Australia to northeast Italy and Brown Brothers’ Banksdale vineyard, which is 485 metres above sea level, is the perfect home for Australia’s premium Prosecco.  

The Origins Series Prosecco is the perfect sparkling for the casual catch up with friends and family. Straw in colour with subtle green hues and a delicate nose, it displays delicious apple and pear characters. This wine retains the freshness and vibrancy that Prosecco is known for, and it has a beautiful savoury edge on the palate. This refreshing sparkling is made to drink now while it's light and fresh. 

Getting in the Spirit of Spring with Hastings Distillers "Blossom Parade" Gin

The demand for gin doesn’t seem to show any sign of slowing down and when you combine that with the increasing demand for organics - an organic gin sounds like a remarkably good idea. Even better if that gin is organic, biodynamic and made with foraged local botanicals.

Hastings Distillers is a boutique distillery based in Hawke’s Bay focussing on quality, not quantity with their stunning limited release spirits.

This from Hastings Distillers:

Quintessence of spring captured in Blossom Parade gin 

Credit: Brian Culy

A hint of warmth on newly bared arms, asparagus spears pushing up through damp earth and trees laden with cherry blossom – these are the hallmarks of a Hawke’s Bay spring.

Hastings Distillers are highly regarded for their seasonal gins and aperitifs and the Blossom Parade – a nod to the iconic spring event held in Hastings annually – is arguably the most well-loved. Lightly perfumed and refined, it’s a special gin marking the change of seasons and heralding warmer weather ahead.

For Hastings Distillers’ founders, Kate Galloway and David Ramonteu, it’s an exciting time of year, and one they acknowledge by releasing the Blossom Parade, of which only 850 bottles were produced in 2022.

“It’s a vintage-like gin – an expression of elegance,” begins Kate. “I love that its blend of local organics captures how the spring is evolving in any particular year. We’ve had a unexpectedly cold start to the season this year in Hawke’s Bay, which is suggested through the livelier and fresher notes that have revealed themselves in this year’s Blossom Parade.”

The limited-edition Blossom Parade, combining citrus, exotic flowers, orange blossom and green fruits, batch-distilled and cut to strength with Kaweka spring water, is delicious served over ice, with a dash of soda or tonic, or as the key component of a spring cocktail.

“It’s a true homage to the Hastings district, and the brief burst of pale pink we see on almost every street in the area,” says Kate. “It captures the fleeting scents of the season and signals the beginning of a new cycle of growth which ultimately leads to autumn, and to harvest.”

For Hastings Distillers, it is autumn that is the busiest period, with Kate and David plucking and picking many of their botanicals for the concise – but internationally celebrated – range of premium spirits produced. “And it has always been that way – both Kate and I have a background in wine-making and have travelled the world with our craft” says David. “I once spent 10 years of my life moving from vintage to vintage and never seeing spring, so this time is special to me.”

The Hastings Distillers Blossom Parade gin joins Hastings Distillers’ impressive line-up of award-winning spirits (the Albertine and East Block 200 gins and L’Opera aperitif) as well as other seasonal and one-off releases including Posy gin liqueur and Barrel Aged Negroni.

Available to buy now at www.hastingsdistillers.com

• Biogro certified organic
• Non-filtered or fined
• Contains no animal products
• Alc/Vol: 42%
• Vol: 500mL

RRP $85

The value of New Zealand wine exports hits an all time high

The future seems sunny for New Zealand wine as the value of wine exports hitting an all time high of more than a quarter billion dollars.

This from New Zealand Winegrowers:

New Zealand wine export value hits all-time high

The value of New Zealand wine in international markets is stronger than ever, with exports for 12 months to September at an all-time high of $2.03 billion, up 6% from the previous year. USA ($727 million) and Canada ($157 million) are at new record levels. The total value increase of 6% is due to a rise in value per litre, with volume for the 12 months to September decreasing 4% from a year ago.

Credit: NZ Winegrowers

The month of September 2022 has set a new export record of $287 million, this being the first time the export value has exceeded $¼ billion in any month.

“Record export value in September proves that our customers continue to appreciate the exceptional flavours, commitment to quality and sustainability of New Zealand wines, particularly in key international markets such as North America. Consumers around the world select a bottle of New Zealand wine off the shelf as they know it is a premium and unique product that they can trust,” says Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.

The record export value emphasises the adaptability and resilience of the industry, during a year that has been full of challenges, as increasing production costs and inconsistent shipping reliability have continued to impact growers and wineries. The ongoing labour shortage and scarcity of skilled workers remains a serious concern, along with operating in a high inflation environment.

With the reopening of New Zealand’s borders and easing of COVID-19 restrictions, many in the industry are eagerly awaiting the return of international wine tourists to New Zealand’s shores.

“Cellar doors have been hit hard by the collapse in international tourist numbers over the past two years. Expectantly, with the reopening of New Zealand’s borders, we will see the return of overseas visitors, who will once more be able to enjoy all the experiences our wine regions have to offer. Alongside domestic holidaymakers, international tourists will give wine businesses the boost they need to see them through the busy summer period, and beyond.”

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.