It is 21 years since the very first Romeo Bragato Conference was held. Back in 1995 it was organized by the New Zealand Grape Grower’s Council, aimed at providing growers with up-to-date information on what was happening out there in the vineyard.

The birth of the Gisborne Garagiste Wine Company can be attributed to the consumption of a fine bottle of Gewürztraminer, say the founders of the business.

As the US market continues to grow for New Zealand wine, a two-minute video promoting our sustainable wine practices is about to be launched. 

It’s Easter weekend 2015, and all over Central Otago picking crews are making their way up and down rows of grapevines in an eager quest to harvest the last fruit before a forecast cold front moves through. 

These days Marlborough is renowned as a world-class Sauvignon Blanc region. But one producer is looking to the past to create something different, with a definite historical bent.

Patrick Materman, Chief Winemaker Pernod Ricard Winemakers NZ, Marlborough, Representing Category 3 Wine Companies. A Board member since 2014.

Sam Glaetzer, Managing Director Constellation Brands NZ, Representing Large Companies. A Board member since 2014.

Former president of the New Zealand Grapegrowers’ Association Kevyn Moore has been devoting much of his ‘retirement’ to researching and writing a biography about Romeo Bragato, the feted founding father of New Zealand’s viticulture industry.

Payroll can be the single largest overhead for many businesses in the wine industry. Using gut feeling or “the grapevine” to determine remuneration levels is one thing, but reputable market data ensures employers make an informed decision about what they should pay their staff.

Vintage 2015 was 27 percent down on last year, and while wineries may be bemoaning the small yields they certainly aren’t unhappy about the quality.