Do you want to work in Auckland, Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Martinborough, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Waipara, Canterbury, or Otago? Its a bit like saying I want to work a vintage in the USA. There are over 500 wineries in NZ and most are pretty reasonable- the market is far far too competitive for crappy producers to last too long- there are some but they are rarities rather than the rule.
Posts: 165 | Location: Australasia | Registered: Jan 11, 2009
That may help but Wine NZ is dominated by the larger players in the industry. In other words Pernod Ricards - Montana aka Brancott on your side of the ditch- have an undue influence. It does have some great info especially on vintage variance and so on.
If you can narrow down what grape varieties you would rather work with I may be able to direct you more specifically. IF you just wish to work with a great producer I would suggest applying to Villa Maria Estate here.
They are situated in the largest city in New Zealand but have vineyards spread across the country. Also they are still family owned and are also focused very heavily of producing quality wine. The same can not be said for Pernod Ricards more commercial focus. There is nothing wrong with that focus- just if you are trying to learn about good wine making it mightn't suit.
Villa Maria portfolio is also very diverse but only in quality producers (most of whom you may be familiar with.).
They include Villa Maria Estates Vidals Esk Valley Thornbury Estates
The wine making team is extremely good also. And previous wine makers have included ex Henschke wine makers, MW's and numerous other top in their field producers. George Fistanovich is a quietly spoken person whom has probably directly shaped the wine industry in New Zealand like no others have.
IF you are looking at a larger producer I would go for Villa Maria OR Nobilo group over Pernod Ricard. They are far more hands on.
Posts: 165 | Location: Australasia | Registered: Jan 11, 2009
