Gisborne vineyard and winery co-owner Nicola Wright has been awarded a top prize in the 2014 Enterprising Rural Women Awards winning the Making it in Rural category.

I spent some time walking around the vineyards of Matua Whenua, the home of Aronui wines when the vineyards were only a few years old and the impression I got at the time was of a special place that was being developed with sensitivity by a passionate viticulturist.

As organisers were gearing up for the 11th anniversary of the Central Otago Pinot Celebration at the end of January, one weary wine scribe was preparing to leave a UK winter behind and catch up with some old acquaintances. 

With 23,000 hectares of productive vineyard in Marlborough, it is not surprising that New Zealand’s largest wine region should have a plethora of grape varieties. More than 33 in total, from Albarino to Viognier. But one tiny estate, has a total of 29 of those varieties growing in just 11.5 hectares.

Consumers across the world are no longer in the dark ages when it comes to learning about wine.

Over the next few months, NZ Winegrower is profiling the people you elected to the Board of NZW. Next up Deputy Chair John Clarke.

Over the next few months, NZ Winegrower is profiling the people you elected to the Board of NZW. First up, the chair Steve Green.

If pioneering one of New Zealand's most highly applauded Pinot Noirs is not enough of an achievement, Martinborough winemaker Clive Paton is now clocking up a string of environmental awards for his conservation work.

While 2015 is barely underway it seems already that the New Year promises to be another important one for the industry.

Welcome to 2015. A new year, new opportunities and a new vintage.