Truth be told, 2013 wasn’t that bad a year for most. While winery profits struggle, the Deloitte’s wine industry survey points out that optimism is higher at the moment, than it has been for a number of years. The bountiful and near perfect vintage of 2013 has certainly helped with that optimism, as have the prices being paid to growers for their fruit.
Now if we could just get the New Zealand dollar down, we would be close to satisfying the majority of the industry. That may be a pie in the sky dream – although it is election year, and stranger things have happened in election years. Maybe we should be encouraging the MPs to meet over a wine, rather than a cup of tea, when discussing policy.
Apart from being an election year, 2014 promises some major changes. The Sale of Liquor reforms came into being in December, and they will impact on all aspects of the industry. From promotions, to cellar doors, everyone needs to be extra vigilant as we move forward. This is a major priority for NZWinegrowers. Just how the new reforms affect you, is explained in detail by Marija Batistich from Bell Gully on page 38.
Major research to help New Zealand become the world leader in the production of high quality, low alcohol/low calorie wines also begins this year. With Government and industry support this research project into Lifestyle Wines, will see close to $17m spent to achieve that goal.
There is likely to be even more consolidation within the industry itself. What began as a trickle of land sales at the end of 2012, has now morphed into an all out restructuring of the New Zealand wine industry. Some of our larger companies are expanding their vineyards, replanting existing blocks while many of the mid sized companies are purchasing more vineyards to shore up their long-term supply. On top of that, for the first time in a number of years, vine nurseries are being inundated with orders for grapes. Much of this has come on the back of a smaller than expected 2012 vintage, that saw a shortage of wine for the first time since 2008. It has been helped by the increase in exports along with a stellar 2013 vintage that has had only positive reviews around the world.
Which brings us to vintage 2014. A “bumper” crop is the way most regional spokespeople have described it. Near perfect flowering and fruit set conditions, with timely spells of rain to ensure strong vine health, has set the country up for what looks like a positive vintage. There is a long way to go yet, but with most regions being between 10 days and two weeks ahead of last year, the countdown to harvest is likely to be shorter than we are used to. Less time for unwanted weather events – more time for ripening. Growers have been busy since prior to Christmas dealing with vines that have at times grown like triffids. Leaf plucking, fruit thinning, canopy management and disease monitoring have been vital as the industry works to ensure quality is not overlooked. While no one wants to count their chickens before they’ve hatched, the New Zealand wine industry is looking forward to an event free vintage, with another bountiful, world-renowned crop to lead us forward.
Wherever you are in the country, I hope that wish comes to fruition for you. ν
