NZ unveils new look and venue for UK tasting

Next year’s annual trade tasting held by New Zealand Winegrowers will take place in a new London location and with an array of new features and themes celebrating New Zealand’s variety.

The tasting will be held on 15 January 2018 at Westminster Bridge County Hall in London on the theme, ‘Flavours of New Zealand’.

As well as featuring around 450 wines from across New Zealand, seminars already on the slate include talks by Peter McCombie MW and Rebecca Gibb MW on Sauvignon Blanc, ‘unexpected’ varieties, Pinot Noir and classic reds as well as a consumer discovery seminar in the evening.

Another new feature is The Masters Selection table, with 16 wines whittled down from 100 nominated by 15 Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers that best represent the country’s range of styles, varieties and regions.

Chris Stroud, marketing manager for Europe at NZ Winegrowers, said: “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.

“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.”

As a category, New Zealand continues to grow in the UK market – up 15% in volume and 14% in value last year to the tune of NZ$1.6 billion.

The country has, by far, the highest average price of any other wine producing nation represented in the UK at £7.10 per bottle compared to the average of £5.57.

From 1pm until 5pm the tasting is open solely to members of the wine trade but the public can buy tickets for the evening session from 6pm-9pm.

For trade registration and to buy tickets click here.