Philip Gregan Retires After 43 Years in Wine
When Philip Gregan joined New Zealand's wine industry in July 1983, he was wondering what he'd like to do for a career.
But challenges are seldom contained in a calendar year, and recessions don't dissipate in the face of resolutions, so as we careen towards vintage on the roller coaster of primary production, 'survive through '25' now seems apt.
Wineries with abundant stock from the 2023 and 2024 vintages are considering this season's excellent flowering and bumper yields against the backdrop of winery and market capacity. That means grape growers facing ever-increasing costs are dealing with significantly softened demand. It's a vintage that requires cooperation, says Dog Point Vineyard's Ivan Sutherland in this edition's regional review. "This is the year where growers and companies have to work more closely together and equate volume with supply and demand."
There are plenty of positive perspectives in the seasonal update and in Philip Gregan's column, including a lower New Zealand dollar, an easing in supply chain destocking, and opportunities in new and traditional markets. Philip also highlights the excitement around Pinot Noir New Zealand 2025, to be held in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, on 11-13 February. In this edition Emma Jenkins MW sheds light on how far New Zealand Pinot has come, and the passionate winemakers and unique places behind some of our best examples. But she also delves into the significant headwinds Pinot producers face. "Plantings and exports have stagnated, domestic consumption is declining in line with global trends, and rising production costs are adding further pressure."
"These are scary, exciting times for winos," says Rippon's Nick Mills, in the second part of a series on intergenerational winegrowing. Succession is a privilege, he says, feeling "ridiculously lucky" to be one of six kids in the fourth generation on their farm, connected to such a special place. But it's also daunting. "Land and vines endure past a single lifetime, so intergenerational knowledge is critical. Yet farm succession is by far the hardest single agricultural activity to undertake."
This edition has stories of hearty optimism and healthy pragmatism, in an industry ready to survive, and hopefully thrive, through 2025.
Sophie Preece
