What a difference a decade makes!

What a difference a decade makes!

When Wine New Zealand first opened its doors a decade ago, there were approximately 100 wineries in New Zealand. Now with more than 543 wineries registered as members of the New Zealand Winegrowers Association and a grape and wine industry that continues to gather momentum, there is evidence of solid growth and strong prospects for the future of the New Zealand Wine industry. As Wine New Zealand celebrates its 10 th Anniversary it promises to deliver a supreme showcase of New Zealand wines and wineries alongside an attention grabbing seminar and tasting programme.

Organised by dmg world media in association with the New Zealand Restaurant Association and the New Zealand Winegrowers Association, Wine New Zealand is a trade exclusive event which attracts the cream of the premier wine trade and hospitality industries. “Wine New Zealand is a key component of our domestic events schedule,” commented Chris Yorke, Global Marketing Director, New Zealand Winegrowers Association. “Our mission is to promote New Zealand wine generically, by providing a platform for generic wine promotion and provide a strong, unified and differentiated positioning for New Zealand wine and this event is pivotal in assisting us to do this.”

There is a dynamic events programme and several special initiatives planned for 2007 according to Michele Harrod, Group Trade Manager, dmg world media. “With the inclusion of the Wine New Zealand Seminars, the event programme now includes a key educational and discussion platform for winemakers, hospitality professionals; key trade and wine media. These seminars were very well received and moving forwards are an integral part of the value proposition of Wine New Zealand for exhibitors and visitors” confirmed Michele. The complete schedule of sessions and speakers will be available on the official website www.hospitalitynz.co.nz/wine in June. All visitors and exhibitors to Wine New Zealand are invited to attend the wine seminars at no additional charge. There is no pre-registration for these seminars and seating is on a first come first in basis..A special initiative for 2007 is the commemorative 10th Anniversary Wine New Zealand tasting glass which is given to all visitors upon arrival courtesy of sponsor Spiegelau.

The glass is from their Authentis range and has a retail value of $30. There will also be an awards programme that will form part of the 2007 event- The Buyer’s Choice Awards. All trade visitors to the event will have the opportunity to nominate the winery; winemaker and wine rep that they judge has enhanced their experience at the event. Platinum event sponsor O-I New Zealand are naming sponsor of the Wine New Zealand O-I Buyer’s Choice Winery Award. Sponsors for the winemaker and wine rep award are yet to be confirmed.

Online pre-registration is now live. All trade visitors are invited to pre-register online at www.hospitalitynz.co.nz. Visitors must be professionally connected to the hospitality industry. Tickets to Wine New Zealand are $15 per day. Trade pre-registration on-line is free and you can purchase your entry tickets for Wine New Zealand at the same time. For any visitor who has not pre-registered, there is a one off registration fee on site of $20 to register for the event. Once registered, Wine New Zealand entry tickets can then be purchased for $15 per day. As per liquor licensing requirements, no persons under 18 years of age will be admitted.

The 2007 event will truly be a celebration of a remarkable decade for the New Zealand wine and hospitality industries. The enhanced events programme, combined with more than 183 wineries sampling in excess of 2,000 wines, make this a must attend event for the premier hospitality and wine trade professional and a crucial opportunity to develop and enhance industry relationships. As prominent wine writer and judge Bob Campbell comments “I visit New Zealand’s wine regions and many of the country’s 550+ wineries as often as I can so the chance to cover over 180 wineries over three days makes Wine New Zealand the most important event on my calendar. Everything takes second place to this unique opportunity to taste a great number of wines and talk to many people who I may not otherwise have the chance to meet.”.Wine New Zealand wishes to acknowledge the support of its 2007 sponsors.

Current confirmed sponsors include O-I New Zealand, BermarNZ Ltd, Spiegelau, Puhoi Cheese, Bennetts of Mangawhai, Regal Salmon and premier magazine partner Cuisine Magazine.

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