By: NZWineDirectory

NZWineDirectory — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 10:37:50 +0000

We can’t change the past but we can still change the future – OK the Sauvinon glut was a stuff up and we won’t do that again – who could have forseen a global recession (a few greedy capatalists in a big country overseas!) but re Belinda’s comment “Every NZer is a promotional vehicle for our wines” Well – that’s how I feel and my long time passion for NZ wine has spilled over into my business – the media and international marketing has for too long focussed on Marlborough Savvy and you and I and many others know that Savvy is not the only variety made in NZ that can compete on the world stage – I’ve been to dozens of tastings this year and tasted 100’s of NZ wines that would stand on their own Internationally, if only they were marketed and promoted effectively. I have tasted Syrah from Hawkes bay that presented in a blind tasting in France, 4 out of the top six were NZ wines – not French. Rieslings that were as good as if not better than those from Germany. Bordeaux Bends from Waiheke that are world beaters, stunning Chardonnays that would beat the best Chablis – Pinot Noir from Otago and Martinborough and Marlborough and Waipara that should stun the world’s Burgundy lovers… So what’s wrong? Tiny wine country competing in a global market – The NZ wine industry stated in 1830, fizzled out with prohibition and lack of Govt interest and didn’t really kick off until the 70’s / 80’s so we are still in our infancy -BUT we are now in the 21st century, we are not constrained by the likes of appellation controlee, we have the technology to communicate instantly – lets use that – Social media. I spent the last few hours at the Great Wine Capitals Conference here in ChCh – tatsted MORE fab NZ wines and some from the 9 other GWCWGN wine regions. We in NZ have what it takes and we can take on the world – we just have to shout louder – HERE WE ARE WORLD – COME AND TASTE!!! I’m doing my bit with The New Zealand Wine Directory – Linking Wine Lovers around the world to New Zealand’s Wine Online… Cheers and Good night – John (JB) at http://nzwinedirectory.co.nz

Well that’s my rant for the day – cheers to you all

By: belindaljackson

belindaljackson — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 05:23:04 +0000

This all makes sense and yes, we are all hoping that the NZ wine consumer will remain loyal and move with the prices as they (hopefully) increase. The trick is perhaps to work out how to get them drinking the REAL wines again and move away from all the 2nd, 3rd 4th labels that were churned out. Connection to the brand has never been more important, be it the wine brand or brand New Zealand. And when it is brand New Zealand then NZWG should be involved. I have had many a discussion with them re not being complacent about the domestic market (though some years ago) as it is vital we have a strong foundation here from which to spring into the global markets. Every NZer is a promotional vehicle for our wines – we need to talk to them/communicate with them and remind them of the authentic, excellent wines they used to buy before we as producers and they as consumers, compromised themselves and lowered the bar. Here’s to kiwis drinking great kiwi wine and telling the world!

Comments on: We’re all in this together ….. yeah right

By: NZWineDirectory

By: belindaljackson