Altogether Unique

Gathering together as an industry at a national level – to learn, be inspired, make new connections and reconnect with peers – is a special opportunity. We look forward to seeing many of you there and hope you will be able to participate in the multiple Altogether Unique 2024 events from 29 to 30 August.

The inaugural Qualmark New Zealand Wine Tourism award will be announced at our Industry Celebration dinner following the forum. Any winery offering a visitor (cellar door) experience is eligible to enter this award, which celebrates the best of wine tourism in New Zealand. nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/altogetherunique/au24-celebration-dinner/qualmark/

United Kingdom

A ‘Somewhat Sommit’ event was held in London this May, chaired by Cameron Douglas MS. It featured blind tastings of 27 wines across five flights – aromatics, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and wider reds – to deepen United Kingdom sommeliers’ understanding and spark discussions about New Zealand’s wine landscape and its on-trade relevance. Attendees could apply for a place at the 2025 Sommit in New Zealand, with well over half taking up the chance.

In June, Wine Australia and NZW teamed up to present a masterclass and free pour tasting in Manchester, attracting more than 60 guests from across the north of the UK. The masterclass, hosted by Rebecca Gibb MW and Emma Symington MW, featured sparkling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Shiraz/Syrah from both countries. There have been previous collaborations, both virtually and abroad, but this was the first time NZW and Wine Australia have held an in-person event together in the UK. Based on the positive reception from target audiences we will join forces again at the London Annual Trade Tasting in January 2025.

Global PR

New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) public relations strategy to drive frequency of mention of our premium New Zealand wine in our key markets and working with ‘NZ Inc’ is paying dividends. See how the NZW PR Programme performed for the period July 2023 to June 2024.

NZW in China

NZW had a significant presence at Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong in late May, hosting more than 33 wineries and 20 wine brands in the New Zealand Wine pavilion. The event saw participation from 1,032 producers and 14,203 visitors, doubling last year’s attendance in Singapore. The New Zealand Consulate and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in Hong Kong also hosted a networking evening that was attended by notable figures like James Suckling, and the MW contingent of Debra Meiburg, Fongyee Walker, and Edward Ragg.

Vinexpo Hong Kong

Additionally, the Altogether Unique New Zealand Wine roadshow visited Beijing and Shanghai on May 22 and 24, attracting 1,200 trade professionals. Events included masterclasses led by MWs Fongyee Walker and Sophie Parker-Thomson, focusing on ‘Iconic Whites of New Zealand’.

MWs Sophie Parker-Thompson, left, and Fongyee Walker.