New Zealand Wine Week to kick off next month

New Zealand Winegrowers is to launch its inaugural New Zealand Wine Week next month, which will take place from 8-14 February.

With activities planned across the US, UK, Ireland and Canada, New Zealand Wine Week’s events programme includes tastings and discussions.

“These events will explore our New Zealand wine story showcasing our premium, sustainable and diverse wines, and the opportunity to participate in live discussions with leading wine voices from around the world,” said Charlotte Read, general manager marketing at New Zealand Winegrowers.

“In these challenging times we are delighted to be able to work together across our key Northern Hemisphere markets to bring a wide range of valuable intel and insight from renowned speakers.

“We aim to shine a light on many aspects of New Zealand wine during the week and show that even though we can’t physically be together, we can raise the profile and celebrate New Zealand wine with our trade and media audiences,” Read added.

Among the events taking place duirng the week will be a webinar on the challenges and myths around food miles, and a winemaker led panel discussion exploring what lies ahead for New Zealand wine in its key export markets.

There will also be a webinar on how New Zealand Pinot Noir differs across the country, and a masterclass hosted by Rebecca Gibb MW exploring the diverse styles and regional expressions of Syrah being made in NZ.

UK-based wine writer Jamie Goode will be hosting a number of winemaker discussions on Instagram Live throughout the week.

An online catalogue will also be launched, allowing trade and media based in the US, UK, Ireland and Canada to browse participating winery profiles and compare varieties, price, channel, and availability in each market.

Participants can make appointments with wineries and importers to discuss distribution opportunities, and in the UK request samples.

A decade ago, New Zealand Winegrowers predicted that NZ wine exports would reach NZ$2 billion in 2020, which happened last October.