Nathan Guy, Todd Barclay visit Gibbston Valley Winery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MP for Otaki and Minister for Primary Industries and Racing Nathan Guy, Clutha-Southland National Candidate Todd Barclay make a stop at Gibbston Valley Winery as part of their visit to Queenstown

Winery’s contribution to production, international exporting, regional tourism industry a special interest to regional politician and
fresh-faced candidate

GIBBSTON (13 August, 2014) – As Central Otago’s founding winery and a popular Queenstown destination, Gibbston Valley Winery attracts a wide array of more than 120,000 visitors a year. On 7 August, the winery was visited by the MP for Otaki and the Minister for Primary Industries and Racing Nathan Guy and Clutha-Southland National Candidate Todd Barclay.

Guy and Barclay stopped at the winery as part of their visit to Queenstown and to learn about the winery’s contribution to New Zealand wine production, overseas exporting and the tourism industry.

“Gibbston Valley has a very long and proud tradition, and the wine industry is hugely important to the primary sector and to the wider economy,” Guy said.

“It’s great to see our exports growing. They’re worth about $1.3 billion now, and the growth projections are huge. We produce a fantastic product here, and we need to get out there and tell the world about the prowess that we have on the international stage, where our wines end up in some of the finest restaurants and on some of the finest dining tables around the world,” Guy said.

Led by Sales & Marketing Manager David Telfer and Chief Winemaker Christopher Keys, the visit included a tour of the winery’s restaurant, cellar door, barrel hall, gift shop and New Zealand’s largest wine cave.

While in the barrel hall, Guy and Barclay met up with other Gibbston Valley Winemakers Sascha Herbert and Matt Swirtz, who were in the process of sampling and topping up barrels of aging wine. The winemakers took a moment to share that experience and led Guy and Barclay through a tasting of three different barrels of 2014 Pinot Blanc.

Afterwards, the winemakers discussed Gibbston Valley’s participation in the Organic Focus Vineyard Project and the process behind converting their vineyards from conventional to organic. The winery’s Home Block Vineyard is their first site to be certified organic by BioGro New Zealand. The group also discussed overseas exports and the potential for low calorie and low alcohol wines.

From there, Keys, Telfer, Guy and Barclay ventured into the wine cave, where Keys spoke about the winery’s rich history and winemaking tradition. While guiding the group through the cave, Keys stopped at the cellar and pointed out some of Central Otago’s first Pinot Noirs.

Keys was pleased to discuss the many facets of winemaking with Guy and Barclay.

“It’s great to show Nathan and Todd our facility. We welcome any opportunity to talk to them about our industry and the unique experience we offer at Gibbston Valley,” Keys said.

ABOUT GIBBSTON VALLEY

Established by wine pioneer Alan Brady, Gibbston Valley Winery is considered the most influential in Central Otago. Gibbston Valley released the region’s first commercial vintage in 1987. Today the winery, cave, cellar door and restaurant is New Zealand’s most-visited wine destination. Over the years, Gibbston Valley has set the standard for Central Otago-style varietals, especially Pinot Noir. The winery’s success has inspired many others spawning growth beyond the Gibbston sub-region and throughout Central Otago. As the region’ leading winery, Gibbston Valley continues to push the boundaries when it comes to both producing premium varietals and adding to the unique experience they offer to both locals and visitors from around the world.

As part of their commitment to sustainable winemaking, Gibbston Valley participated in the Organic Focus Vineyard Project led by Organic Winegrowers New Zealand with their Home Block Vineyard. Gibbston Valley is converting more of their vineyards to being organic.

Gibbston Valley is home to a gourmet restaurant and New Zealand’s largest wine cave, available for wine tours, private functions, weddings and special occasions. The barrel hall is another one of the winery’s function venues. In June 2013, the winery opened A Taste of Gibbston Valley on the main street of historic Arrowtown.

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