It was also appropriate that the launch was held at Brancott Estate Cellar Door and Restaurant, which overlooks the vineyard where Marlborough’s first Sauvignon Blanc grapes were planted.
With the countdown well underway, winery representatives heard from Chair Patrick Materman about the plans for next year’s major New Zealand Winegrower’s event. While guest speakers have yet to be confirmed, Materman was able to discuss the whys and wherefores of Sauvignon Blanc 2019.
The three-day event, to be held in Marlborough from January 28 – 30 is expected to attract more than 400 attendees.
“They will hear from the people who grow, sell and make the wine on subjects of marketing, styles and diversity from across the world,” Materman said “They will challenge theories and perceptions on everything from winemaking secrets to future proofing and stylistic preferences of Sauvignon Blanc.”
The programme themes have been established, with Day 1 concentrating on Place, Day 2 Purity, exploring topics such as climate, sustainability and flavour, while day 3 is titled Pursuit – what we can pursue domestically and globally and how, as we move into the future.
Ensuring the international theme of the event, wines from six other Sauvignon Blanc producing countries will be involved in the event, as they were back at the inaugural event in 2016. Those countries under consideration are Australia, Austria, Chile, France (Sancerre) South Africa and the US (California).
New Zealand Winegrowers are already targeting international influencers to attend the event, with 80 or more likely to be brought out (see left).
There has been a subtle change in the tact taken by the organisers and NZ Winegrowers for this event. Instead of focusing on bringing over only wine media, the emphasis will be on lifestyle bloggers and those on social media, along with a number of Sommeliers who will attend Sauvignon 19, as well as the very popular Sommit™.
Materman said they will be ensuring they can leverage off those that attend, in post events.
For example Sommeliers will be hosting seminars and events at restaurants and working with their own databases to spread the story of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
At next year’s ProWein an area within the New Zealand stand will be dedicated to the variety, providing an educational focus. Sauvignon masterclasses will make up part of the New Zealand Wine Fairs in China and Hong Kong, with Masterclasses taking to the road across China’s southern Coastal tier two cities next May. The variety will also feature in promotions in Australia, Canada, the US and UK following the January event.
With winery registration now closed, Materman says it is important for wineries taking part to start selling the event to their importers, distributors and key accounts.
“Think carefully about who you wish to invite as your guests to Sauvignon 2019. Who will ultimately be able to champion your brand/region/country and Sauvignon Blanc to the world?”
For more information on Sauvignon Blanc 2019, go to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Guest by market
UK/Ireland: 17
USA: 22
Australia: 19
Europe: 4
Canada: 6
Asia: 12
