Two reports out of the UK in recent weeks have some great news for New Zealand wine producers and some warnings that need to be taken on board.
The 2017/18 season is drawing to a close, with the final plots of grapes ripening up and ready to head to the winery for fermentation. For most, this summer will be one that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.
Christmas and the ensuing holiday season may seem like a long time ago, as we race into February, but for many overseas visitors, the holiday is just beginning.
It has been a momentous year for the New Zealand wine industry, from start until finish.
The latest figures put New Zealand wine exports at $1,669 billion as at the end of July, making wine the fifth largest export earner in the country.
There is no need to go on about vintage 2017, other than to say it was a challenge for most growers and wineries.
The grapes are in, the wine is in the tank and within a few weeks the very first releases of the 2017 vintage will be on their way out to consumers.
I saw this great headline a few weeks back that basically summed up the weather so far this year: “2016, the hottest on record, but summer doesn’t appear to have got the memo.”
This annual award was instigated by the former editor of NZWinegrower magazine, back in the 1990s.
Welcome to the 100th issue of NZ Winegrower magazine – the official journal of New Zealand Winegrowers.
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Editorial

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