Industry news Grower Workshop Marlborough grape growers and vineyard managers are invited to a free industry workshop near Blenheim on May 10. The key theme of this year’s Grower Workshop is to extend operators’ knowledge and ensure confidence in their dealings with contractors. The event, which is facilitated by the Marlborough Viticulture Task Force, will involve participants moving through various stations covering communication with contractors, quality control and cost of pruning, vine health and pruning wounds, seasonal labour and compliance, vine balance and pruning, and best practice for cutting and mechanical options. The workshop is at 160 Paynters Rd on May 10, and runs from 8.30am to 12pm, followed by a free BBQ. Pinot Noir NZ 2017 The Pinot Noir NZ Vimeo Channel offers a number of clips from the recent celebration in Wellington, including keynote speaker presentations, regional clips, and the Turangawaewae and Evolve clips. Go to www.vimeo.com/pinotnoirnz to check it out. Third ranked in USA New Zealand now rates as the third highest wine import into the United States in terms of value, according to a recent Gomberg Fredrikson Report. The total value of New Zealand wine imported into the US in 2016 reached US$400 million, only surpassed by Italy (US$1,960m) and France (US$1,589m). “To be third ranking in terms of value in the world’s largest wine market is outstanding, especially given New Zealand produces less than 1% of the world’s wine”, says New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan. The Gomberg Fredrikson Report owner, Jon Moramarco, says New Zealand wine - and especially Sauvignon Blanc - is very popular in the States and continues to grow at a
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rate much faster than the total market. “The growth doesn’t surprise me, just because of the quality and value of what New Zealand has to offer.” New Zealand wine exports have reached a record high and now stand at $1.61 billion, up 5% for the year end January 2017. New Zealand wine is exported to more than 90 countries, and is New Zealand’s 7th largest export good. Welcome Trade Agenda New Zealand Winegrowers has welcomed an announcement by the Prime Minister of the government’s new vision for trade strategy outlined in Trade Agenda 2030. The shifts in trade policy will help increase the resilience of the New Zealand wine sector by creating more opportunities to grow exports and diversify markets says NZW General Manager Advocacy Jeffrey Clarke. “Extending the coverage of quality free trade agreements and reducing non-tariff-barriers will ensure the wine industry continues to benefit from the open and rules-based trading conditions that have underpinned our success.” The organisation also welcomed the investment of an additional $91
million into the government’s trade architecture “to make sure New Zealand can deliver on the aspirations of the trade agenda”, he says. The industry is working towards a goal of $2b of exports in 2020. Wire Warning Marlborough Lines issued safety warnings late last month, following a power outage caused by a large expanse of grape netting being picked up and blown over 11000 volt power lines. Operations Manager Brian Tapp says another warning has been issued following the November earthquakes, with some road crossing power lines being found lower than they should be. Contractors and vineyard owners therefore need to give additional consideration to checking the height of lines over vineyards before harvest. To get hold of the two safety posters regarding these issues, contact Wine Marlborough. Real Estate Very few sales have been reported in the past month, with full-scale preparation for harvest taking the focus of vendors, says Joe Blakiston of PGG Wrightson Real Estate. “In saying that, the enquiry from outside the region is very strong with larger development blocks of particular interest.” He says several properties in the “fringe areas” of the Awatere Valley have been on the market, but have attracted subdued interest, “with earthquake and climate issues making this area less favourable at present”. Several larger Sauvignon Blanc
