A bright start to 2019 — Editorial

Not only did hundreds of individuals descend on Marlborough for the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration, but 18 top international sommeliers took part in a two-day Sommit™ in Hawke’s Bay, and 75 internationals attended a Sparkling and Chardonnay symposium in Gisborne. 

It was a hectic week and a half for the NZW team, highlighting just why New Zealand wine is considered some of the best in the world.

In case you are wondering why we have no coverage of the events in this issue, the first for the year, it’s because we went to print just days before the events kicked off. But we will have full and in-depth coverage of all events in the next issue (these will be online in April).

The guest speakers, the breakdown of themes – Place, Purity and Pursuit, the wines, the comments, and the reaction of those all-important key influencers who attended the events.

In the meantime, this issue we break down the detailed information from the PwC Strategic Review – looking at the question of Demand. Just where are our major markets going and what exactly are the issues facing us, in the views of PwC? 

We also highlight China – as a market and a producer of wine. While currently it is not close to being in our top three export markets, it still takes more than $40 million worth of New Zealand wine, and that is steadily growing. Simon Zhou, from Ruby Red, an importer based in Shanghai provides insight into the market for us, while a Rabobank spokesman has a word of warning about the possibility of trade wars.

We also review the first Women in Wine Mentoring Programme, with perspectives from both mentors and mentees and provide you with the latest technology to scare those pesty birds from the vineyard.

So, lots to read and learn from. Enjoy.