New features and venue for annual NZ tasting

By Michelle Perrett

Published: 22 November, 2017

The New Zealand Winegrowers is to hold its Annual Trade Tasting in January at a new venue with a range of new features.

The tasting, themed Flavours of New Zealand, will offer small 30 minute focussed seminars that will explore the different varieties and styles of country has to offer.

The seminars will be led by Peter McCombie, MW and Rebecca Gibb, MW and will include topics including the Diversity of Sauvignon Blanc, Unexpected Varieties, Different Shades of Pinot, and Classic Reds. There will also be a consumer discovery seminar in the evening.

Another new feature will be The Masters Selection table, which will showcase 16 wines from a wide range of styles, varieties and regions. Fifteen Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers from around the world, who have visited New Zealand recently, were asked to nominate their top three choices. This resulted nearly 100 wines being nominated and from this list the 16 were selected.

“We are looking forward to showcasing New Zealand wines in the new venue and welcoming the trade to one of the first major tastings of the year,” said Chris Stroud, marketing manager Europe for New Zealand Winegrowers.

“New Zealand is as popular as ever in the UK market, so we are delighted to bring in some new features for the tasting to highlight our broad range of styles.”

New Zealand wines are continuing to grow in popularity in the UK market. There has been a 15% growth in volume and 14% in value (Nielsen Scantrack data WE 7-10-17). New Zealand also still has the highest average price of any country at £7.10, above the national average of £5.57.

There will be over 450 wines at the event from regions across New Zealand, including Waiheke Island, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough, North Canterbury, Nelson, Gisborne and Central Otago.

The event will be held on Monday 15 January 2018 between 10am to 5pm at the new venue of Westminster Bridge - County Hall.

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