ISSUE NO. 332 / AUGUST 2022 TOURISMWINE Photo: Jim Tannock Winepress THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF WINEwine-marlborough.co.nzMARLBOROUGHPLANNINGWORKFORCEELECTIONBOARD VITICULTURISTYOUNG
Winepress August 2022 / 1 201016REGULARS FEATURES 3 Editorial - Sophie Preece 4 From the BoardAnna Laugesen 6 Tasman Crop Met ReportRob Agnew 22 Generation Y-ineChloe Gabrielsen 24 Biosecurity WatchSophie Badland 26 Industry News 28 Wine Happenings Cover: Marlborough’s new Destination Management Plan includes a timely ‘reset’ for wine tourism. Photo Jim Tannock. Go to page 10 10 Tourism Reset As borders open and cruise ships loom, a Marlborough Cellar Door Steering Group is liaising with wine tourism operators and Destination Marlborough to improve the region’s wine visitor experience. 16 Workforce Planning Work has started on a wine industry workforce development plan. “We have specific seasonal and long-term needs, alongside workforce factors that are unique to Marlborough,” says Nicci Armour.
Young Viticulturist In the past few months Tahryn Mason has completed harvest, become a father, and won the 2022 Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year. “I don’t do things in halfmeasures, that’s for sure.
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Find dates relevant to the election process on Wine Happenings on page 28.
Marcus Pickens AS MARLBOROUGH’S wine industry seeks a ‘new normal’ amid continued global upheaval, strong board representation is vital. There’s just one Marlborough Winegrowers board position up for election this year, with a grower representative position open to nominations. And it’s never been more important for a diverse and skilled segment of the industry to step up and help steer the region to a new normal, says Wine Marlborough General Manager Marcus Pickens.The Covid-19 pandemic - with associated challenges in markets, logistics, labour force, event management and wine tourism - has made the past 30 months some of the most complex in the history of Marlborough’s modern wine industry, which turns 50 next year (see page 18). “Our board has grappled with all of these issues, working with New Zealand Winegrowers and Government to try and ease the extreme pressure on our members and their workforce,” says AndMarcus.that work is reaping rewards, including the new Marlborough Cellar Door Steering Committee, developed as part of a tourism ‘reset’ for the region via the Marlborough Destination Management Plan (see page 10). “That initiative, and our steering group, has taken the pressure of Covid-19 and forged something good out of it,” says Marcus. That’s not the only silver lining to be found in the clouds of recent years, says Marlborough Winegrowers board member Anna Laugesen on page 5. “Ultimately, if navigating the extraordinary global events of the past few years has taught us anything, it would be that as an industry we are able to cope with whatever challenges are thrown our way,” says Anna, also noting that when logistics eventually improve, “new efficiencies and innovations will undoubtedly come to light”.But despite the great resilience showed by the industry, the road ahead is far from smooth, including for growers facing weather challenges, labour shortages and relentlessly rising costs. “We hope our grape grower members will engage with the election process and get excited by the prospect of representing the industry, this election round and into the future,” says Marcus. “Our industry needs great people at the table if it is to reach its potential in the new normal.”
Tracy Johnston tracy@dayvinleigh.co.nz
Jamie Marfell Jamie.Marfell@pernod-ricard.com by: Blenheim Print Ltd 03 Any advice given, implied or suggested should be considered on its merits, and no responsibility can be taken for problems arising from the use of such Thisinformation.document is printed on an environmentally responsible paper, produced using elemental chlorine free (EFC), third party pulp from responsible sources, manufactured under the strict ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and is 100% Recyclable. SOPHIE PREECE
578 1322 From Editorthe Disclaimer: The views and articles that are expressed and appear in Winepress are entirely those of contributors and in no way reflect the policy of the Marlborough Winegrowers.
Grower Directors:
Michiel Eradus michiel@eraduswines.co.nz
Wine Company Directors: Beth Forrest beth@forrest.co.nz
Damien Yvon damien@closhenri.com
James Macdonald james@hunters.co.nz
“Our industry needs great people at the table if it is to reach its potential in the new normal.”
Grape Anna Laugesen anna@craiglochart.co.nz
Gus Altschwager gus@akwines.net
Kirsty Harkness kirsty@mountbase.co.nz
Designed
Winepress August 2022 / 3 General Manager: Marcus Pickens 03 577 9299 or 021 831 marcus@winemarlborough.nz820 SophieEditor: Preece 027 308 sophie@sophiepreece.co.nz4455 Marketing and Communications: Sarah Linklater 021 704 sarah@winemarlborough.nz733 Events Manager: Loren Coffey loren@winemarlborough.nz Advocacy Manager: Nicci Armour advocacy@winemarlborough.nz JoannaAdvertising:May advertising@winemarlborough.nz
4 / Winepress August 2022 SINCEPROTECTCOVID-19
it is important we continue to invest in market research.
Boardthe
Anna Laugeson
first entered our consciousness more than two and a half years ago, the world has changed markedly. Alongside the global pandemic, we have witnessed huge political upheaval and, more recently, war in Ukraine. Such significant worldwide events cannot help but have an impact on our wine businesses.
From
The way we work has certainly changed and it is heartening to see many businesses continuing to offer greater flexibility in employment. Some of that flexibility, initially put in place to mitigate the risk and impact of Covid-19 by placing greater importance on work life balance, has ultimately improved work satisfaction and productivity. Many of our priorities, spending habits, how and where we socialise, our appetite to travel and explore (reignited with the recent reopening of borders) have changed.
“When logistics eventually improve, new efficiencies and innovations will undoubtedly come to light.”
As we have seen in the agriculture sector, change is possible if there are enough member voices heard. Take an active role in knowing what is going on. While the complexities of legislative changes on the horizon may seem daunting, an understanding of what is proposed will allow us to consider how those changes will impact our businesses. Support our hardworking Wine Marlborough team and our industry bodies. Do consider responding to survey requests, and if the opportunity arises or you are asked by your industry body to submit on industry plans, do so. As members, your voice really does make a difference.
Ultimately, if navigating the extraordinary global events of the past few years has taught us anything, it would be that as an industry we are able to cope with whatever challenges are thrown our way. It is that resilience and grit that will ensure the Marlborough wine industry is able to face the next set of inevitable challenges.
ANNA LAUGESEN
Getting to know our consumers again will ensure that when the inevitable rebalancing of supply and demand occurs, our marketing strategies, the ways in which we engage with our consumers, and our distribution channels are not only relevant, but best placed to capture new opportunities. When logistics eventually improve, new efficiencies and innovations will undoubtedly come to light as is often the case following disruptive events. While as an industry we celebrate the welcome return of face-to-face meetings, wine tastings, conferences and workshops, and we look forward to much missed events – our Marlborough Wine & Food Festival a shining example - some practices and events may require a rethink.
In order to cope with the myriad complexities that have arisen as a result, we have seemingly been operating in fight or flight mode for a prolonged period. Although crucial in navigating the challenges posed by adverse events such as the pandemic, this is not a mode in which we wish to operate long term. While businesses must remain agile in such an uncertain world, a return to some form of normality, albeit one potentially quite different from the pre-Covid-19 landscape, is necessary to enable businesses to take stock and look to the future. Considering how the world has changed and how those changes affect us will enable us to position our businesses in such a way that we are able to grasp new opportunities that undoubtedly exist as we emerge post pandemic.
It is likely the priorities, preferences and habits of our consumers are different from those we knew prepandemic. Rising domestic inflationary pressure will also have a marked influence on the discretionary spending of consumers at home. While demand for New Zealand wine is currently high, and we are firmly focused on grappling with hugely challenging supply chain issues to replenish markets,
Taking stock and looking to the future
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July 2022 rainfall not only recorded the highest July total on record, but also the highest total for any month for the 93 years 1930 to 2022. From January 1930 to July 2022 is a total of 1111 months. Maybe the climate’s way of declaring an Totalemergency?rainfall of 220.6 mm was 342% of the long-term average (LTA) for July of 64.5 mm (1986-2021). This is the highest ever July rainfall total on record for Blenheim for the 93 years 1930 – 2022. The previous highest July total was 174.1 mm, recorded in July 1998; i.e. the July 2022 total exceeded the July 1998 total by 46.5 mm. The July rainfall has also now become the highest total on record for any month. The previous highest was 191.5 mm recorded in September 1943; i.e. the July 2022 total exceeded the September 1943 total by 29.1 mm. This is the first time that Blenheim’s monthly rainfall has exceeded 200 mm. Normally when a monthly rainfall record is broken it is only by a few mm. However, in the case of July 2022, the old records were smashed into the historical record books for a six. I would expect that the July 2022 rainfall record will stand for a very long time. Total rainfall for January to July 2022 of 541.4 mm is 147% of the LTA of 367.6Theremm. were 13 rain days in July 2022. A rain day is a day with greater than or equal to 1.0 mm (LTA is 7.4). There were 9 rain days in July 2021. The rainfall data in Table 2 indicate that all weeks during July 2022 recorded rainfall. It was very fortunate that such a large amount of rainfall was very well spread throughout the month. While there was flooding during July 2022, especially in the Taylor River, the rainfall and subsequent flooding in mid-July 2021 was far worse. The mid-July 2021 flood in the Wairau River was amongst the largest on record and the rainfall caused substantial damage to infrastructure, especially to roads in the Marlborough Sounds.
Mean Mean Mean Rainfall Sunshine Wind-run Total Total Max Min (mm) (hours) (km) Ground Air Frosts Frosts
6 / Winepress August 2022 Table 1: Blenheim Weather Data – July 2022 July July 2022 July Period July 2022 compared LTA of LTA 2021 to LTA GDD’s for month -Max/Min¹ 15.5 157% 9.9 (1996-2021) 20.3 GDD’s for month – Mean² 27.0 110% 24.5 (1996-2021) 33.8 Mean Maximum (°C) 13.3 +0.1°C 13.2 (1986-2021) 14.3 Mean Minimum (°C) 4.4 +1.7°C 2.7 (1986-2021) 3.3 Mean Temp (°C) 8.9 +0.9°C 8.0 (1986-2021) 8.8 Ground Frosts (<= -1.0°C) 10 4.9 less 14.9 (1986-2021) 14 Air Frosts (<0.0°C) 1 6.1 less 7.1 (1986-2021) 9 Sunshine hours 116.0 71% 163.2 (1986-2021) 186.1 Sunshine hours – lowest 114.5 1996 Sunshine hours – highest 230.8 1952 Sunshine hours total – 2022 1386.2 98% 1407.6 (1986-2021) 1476.6 Rainfall (mm) 220.6 342% 64.5 (1986-2021) 143.6 Rainfall (mm) – lowest 9.9 1930 Rainfall (mm) – highest 220.6 2022 Rainfall total (mm) – 2022 541.4 147% 369.2 (1986-2021) 425.0
Evapotranspiration – mm 31.6 87% 36.2 (1996-2021) 33.5 Avg. Daily Windrun (km) 193.9 86% 225.6 (1996-2021) 196.4 Mean 9am soil temp – 10cm 7.1 +2.0°C 5.1 (1986-2021) 6.5 Mean 9am soil temp – 30cm 8.7 +1.5°C 7.2 (1986-2021) 8.3 ¹GDD’s Max/Min are calculated from absolute daily maximum and minimum ²GDD’stemperaturesMean are calculated from average hourly temperatures New Rainfall Record
Table 2: Weekly weather data recorded in Blenheim during July 2022
1-7 July 13.6 (+0.4) 2.1 (-0.6) 7.9 (-0.1) 11.6 38.7 181.3 5 0 8-14 July 14.1 (+0.9) 5.8 (+3.1) 10.0 (+2.0) 81.2 25.9 217.0 0 0 15-21 July 13.5 (+0.3) 5.4 (+2.7) 9.5 (+1.5) 16.8 21.2 235.3 2 1 22-28 July 12.6 (-0.6) 4.7 (+2.0) 8.6 (+0.6) 59.2 21.3 132.4 2 0 29-31 July 12.0 (-1.2) 3.9 (+1.2) 7.9 (-0.1) 51.8 8.9 216.7 1 0 1-31 July 13.3 4.4 8.9 220.6 116.0 193.9 10 1 2022 +0.1°C +1.7°C +0.9°C 342% 71% 86% LTA 1986-2021July 13.2 2.7 8.0 64.5 163.2 225.6 14.9 7.1
Soil Moisture
Winepress August 2022 / 7
Temperature July’s mean temperature of 8.9°C was 0.9°C above the LTA of 8.0°C. This is the eighth warmest July on record for the 91 years 1932 to 2022. July 2021 is the ninth warmest on record. Five of the 10 warmest July’s on record have occurred since 2010. The last time that July recorded a below average mean temperature was 8 years ago in 2015. The average daily maximum temperature of 13.3°C was 0.1°C above average. The average daily minimum temperature of 4.4°C was 1.7°C above average; i.e. the overcast weather didn’t allow the daily maximum temperatures to get very high, but it also meant that the overnight minimum temperatures were well above average. The daily range in temperature was 8.9°C, 1.6°C below the LTA of 10.5°C. Frosts July recorded 10 ground frosts spread throughout the month and only one air frost. The coldest ground frost of -4.1°C was recorded on the 22nd July 2022 and the only air frost of -0.1°C was recorded on 17 July 2022. In contrast, July 2021 recorded 14 ground frosts and 9 air frosts in the first 15 days of the month. The frosts in July 2021 were also colder than in July 2022. Sunshine 116.0 hours sunshine for July 2022 was only 71% of LTA for July of 163.2 hours. This is the second lowest July sunshine total on record for the 93 years 1930 to 2022. The lowest total of 114.5 hours was recorded in July 1996.
Given that both July 2021 and 2022 recorded very high rainfall totals, it is somewhat surprising that July 2021 recorded 70.1 hours more sunshine that July 2022. However, the first two weeks of July 2021 were very sunny, as most of the rain was confined to the second half of the month.
Included in Met Report one year ago was a table that detailed the July rainfall totals at a number of Plant & Food Research (PFR) and Marlborough District Council (MDC) weather stations throughout Marlborough. The table has been updated with the July 2022 rainfall data to provide a comparison with July 2021 (Table 4). The PFR weather stations are all on, or very close to vineyards, so are therefore in the lower rainfall parts of Marlborough. Many of the MDC stations are located in the high er rainfall catchment areas. The MDC data can be accessed at https://hydro.marlborough.govt.nz.
GivenMarlborough.thatBlenheim’s
totals on
The rainfall data in Table 4 indicate that the very high rainfall in July 2021 was largely in north Marlborough. South Marlborough escaped the very high totals. The very high rainfall in July 2022 seems to have been more widespread across
and
Table
Month Highest Year Lowest Year Mean (mm) (mm) (mm) January 167.0 1985 0.0 1978 47.0 February 181.4 2018 1.0 1973 & 1983 43.5 March 118.0 1979 2.8 1969 44.2 April 173.0 1962 1.0 1992 53.2 May 182.6 1948 4.0 2008 64.1 June 154.9 1943 8.0 1974 59.8 July 220.6 2022 9.9 1930 64.0 August 171.6 1990 4.6 1969 62.4 September 191.5 1943 3.0 1951 51.1 October 161.0 2001 2.3 1961 55.6 November 154.6 1999 2.8 2015 47.1 December 131.6 2010 0.8 1934 48.2 Annual 1003.4 1995 381.6 2015 640.2
July rainfall has broken all previous records, I thought it appropriate to look at the variation in rainfall that Blenheim has experienced in he past. Table 3 presents the highest, lowest and mean monthly and annual rainfall totals on record for Blenheim over the 93 years 1930 to 2022. Blenheim’s mean monthly rainfall only varies from a low of 43.5 mm for February to a high of 64.1 mm for May. However, the mean monthly values hide the fact that there can be a very large variation in the rainfall for any particular month from year to year, as indicated in Table 3. It is not uncommon for Blenheim to receive very high rainfall in one month and for that to be followed by very low rainfall the next month, or vice-versa; e.g. January 2022 = 12.6 mm February 2022 = 153.4 mm 3: Highest, lowest, mean monthly and annual rainfall record for Blenheim over the 93 years 2022
1930 to
The average shallow soil moisture (0 to 35 cm depth) at the Grovetown Park weather station for July was 38.8%, very close to field capacity. With the high rainfall there would have been substantial drainage of water through the soil profile. This should mean that going into the early part of the growing season in spring that there will be good soil moisture reserves.
Table 4: July 2021 and July 2022 rainfall totals from a number of Plant & Food Research and Marlborough District Council weather stations Weather station location July 2021 (mm) July 2022 (mm)
Average daily wind-run during July 2022 was 193.9 km; this was 86% of the LTA daily wind-run for July of 226.8 km. Only six of the 31 days during July recorded above average wind-run. The highest daily wind-run of 540 km was recorded on 18
8 / Winepress August 2022
PFR Seaview Awatere 65.1 221.3 PFR Blenheim 143.6 220.6 PFR Brancott 145.9 260.8 PFR Renwick 171.8 289.5 PFR Upper Awatere (Top end Marama Road) 172.2 319.6 PFR Lower Waihopai 188.5 264.7 PFR Rarangi 202.9 284.0 PFR Pauls Road Rapaura 277.6 293.4 PFR Upper Wairau Valley 361.0 321.4 MDC Awatere at Glenbrae 93.0 159.8 MDC Flaxbourne River 75.3 258.1 MDC Waihopai River 149.5 185.0 MDC Ward 100.6 285.0 MDC Picton 251.8 233.2 MDC Waikakaho 294.5 316.5 MDC Branch River 321.0 224.5 MDC Rai Valley 443.6 405.6 MDC Keneperu Head 460.8 445.6 MDC Wakamarina 461.6 323.2 MDC Onamalutu 525.3 418.6 PFR – Plant & Food Research. MDC Marlborough District Council Weed Control Lo oking for p ost ha r vest supplies? Vineyard Hardware Pruning Supplies
Budburst of grapes in 2022
Soil Temperatures
Soil temperatures at the Grovetown Park weather station are measured at 10, 20, 30 and 100 cm depth. The 30 cm soil temperature is often used as a guide for agricultural activities. Typically, pasture growth requires soil temperatures above 8°C. The mean soil temperatures for July 2022 were all well above the LTA and warmer than in the previous four years. Warm air and soil temperatures are likely to lead to earlier than normal spring growth.
The VineFacts phenology programme has monitored budburst at a Sauvignon blanc vineyard in Central Rapaura over the 18 years 2004 to 2021. The average date of 50% budburst over those 18 years is 3 October. The last four years all recorded earlier than average budburst: 28 Sep 2018, 30 Sep 2019, 26 Sep 2020 and 1 Oct 2021. Although 1 August is still 2-months prior to budburst, the winter air and soil temperatures in 2022 look like we could be in for another early budburst. Wind-run
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cruise ships will once again be docking in Picton, signalling the long-awaited re-start of international tourism in Marlborough, on ice since international borders closed in March 2020. Regional tourism organisation Destination Marlborough has made the most of the lull, developing a new visitor strategy that aims to strike a better balance between community outcomes and visitor experience.
ResetVisitor
Finding a better balance in wine tourism
Wine Marlborough marketing and communications manager Sarah Linklater says they have been working closely with cellar doors since the pandemic began. “Firstly, to navigate all the new rules and regulations presented by Covid, and then to identify some of the challenges faced specifically by cellar doors, such as finding and retaining staff, managing visitor volume and seasonality.”
Establishing the steering group, which consists of representatives from six of the region’s wineries, was a natural progression from the discussions cellar doors had been having over the past 24 months, she says. The steering group liaises with cellar doors to inform the wine visitor experience sub-strategy of the DMP. “Pre-Covid many of our cellar door operators were overwhelmed with cruise numbers and the industry recognised there was a real opportunity to work together to enhance the wine visitor experience,” says Sarah. Sarah Fix says cellar doors have had to rely on locals and domestic tourists to keep them going over the past few years, and ideas such as a venue for large groups could help protect that relationship. “Our communities have been so good to us, and now that borders are reopening, we’re not going to forget that,” she says. “We recognise we need to find a balance between sharing our wine story with international visitors and making space for our locals so they still feel comfortable coming.”
Wine tourism was identified as one of 18 sub-strategies that make up the visitor experience in Marlborough, with significant crossover with cycle and cruise tourism. As a result, Wine Marlborough and Destination Marlborough worked together to establish the Cellar Door Steering Group in June, with the aim of supporting cellar doors in the region and assisting with visitor experience.
The Marlborough Destination Management Plan (DMP) is a collaborative venture between a number of key organisations connected with the tourism industry, including Wine Marlborough, Destination Marlborough, local iwi, Department of Conservation and Marlborough District“NewCouncil.Zealand had 3.8 million international visitors in 2020 and we were starting to see an impact on social license, for example local communities’ tolerance of freedom campers,” says DMP project manager Anton Wilke. “The pandemic has given us an opportunity to reflect and visualise how tourism will fit into our environment and community in the future, in a way that is acceptable to the public, so we can continue to achieve commercial license.”
Photo Jim Tannock
10 / Winepress August 2022
KAT PICKFORD
AGROWVENUE able to host large numbers for wine tastings is just one idea from a steering group supporting a tourism “reset” for Marlborough cellar doors.
Rock Ferry Cellar Door and Marketing Manager Sarah Fix - one of the winery representatives of the recently established Marlborough Cellar Door Steering Group - says the format could ease the pressure felt by some cellar doors before Covid-19, when international tourism peaked. “It’s something that could work for cruise ship days, but we could also apply the same formula for other big events or conventions.”ComeNovember,
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Winepress August 2022 / 11 PROTECT O R G A N I C C O M P
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'A healthy vine leads to a great wine'
Photo Jim Tannock “Our communities have been so good to us, and now that borders are reopening, we’re not going to forget Sarahthat.”Fix
operators invited to be part of the discussion at their most recent operatormeeting.Tour
Karen Walshe, who owns cycle tour company Marlborough,Exploresays O Intelligro can deliver vineyard Biodiversity Soil Spread sales@igro nz
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Destination Development Specialist Jade Harvey is working with key stakeholders involved in the tourism sector, to roll out the DMP and help them prepare for the return of international visitors in spring. One of her first tasks was working with the industry to create a compendium of the region’s cellar doors, so i-Site staff, tour operators and accommodation providers have a clear idea of opening hours, pricing and the services and experiences each cellar door offers, says Jade. “Finding out who does what, what they charge and the types of products they have the potential to create, putting it all into one source of truth and getting it out to booking agencies, will help cellar doors manage their bookings and ensure visitors get matched with the most suitable wine experience for them.”Offering a broader range of products and experiences for tourists would add more vibrancy to the wine visitor experience in Marlborough, she adds. “It’s good to have these layers and cater for people on a more individual level.”
Strengthening relationships between tour operators and cellar doors and restaurants was also something the Cellar Door Steering Group had identified as a priority, with tour the opportunity to engage with cellar doors was welcomed by tour operators, who were one of the main distribution channels for tourists visiting wineries. “Every single person we deal with asks which wineries to visit, where to eat and drink and where the best spots in town are. Because we’re in and out of places every day and getting that immediate feedback from visitors, we have a pretty good idea of how things are tracking at cellar doors and restaurants. You see a trend emerge over a season, and it changes season to season.”Pre-Covid, there had been some negativity around the large numbers of people cruise ships brought in, so it’s been positive to see everyone working together, she says. “We used to be able to free wheel it and rock up to cellar doors without a thought, but in recent years it’s been far too busy
in
At its core, the Marlborough Destination Management Plan has an environmental philosophy, says project manager Anton Wilke. It recognises that Marlborough’s unique climate and geomorphology not only underpins its desirability as a destination but is also a crucial aspect of many of the region’s industries, including winegrowing, aquaculture and aviation. “The environment which is expressed through the valleys, hills and mountains of Marlborough are the homes within which our communities live and ultimately create the soul of our competitive and unique position as a region.” The management plan splits the region into Te Hoiere/Pelorus, Tōtaranui/Queen Charlotte and the Wairau and Awatere Valleys, with visitors able to base themselves at Havelock, Picton, Blenheim and Seddon, to spread the economic impact and reduce location based environmental impacts, while ensuring visitors receive warm Marlborough hospitality.
for that. “Marlborough is growing in popularity, so we need to work together as an industry to determine how we are going to give them the best experience while still achieving our goals of selling wine, selling tours and building the region’s brand story.”
12 / Winepress August 2022 GROW
Karen Walshe. Photo Jessica Jones “Covid has been tough on tourism, but one good thing to come out of the pandemic is the opportunity to have a Jacquireset.”Lloyd remained high throughout the pandemic, despite a number of highly publicised cases of on board Covid outbreaks. The cruise industry was well accustomed to detecting, preventing and controlling contagious diseases such as influenza, with rigorous protocols to keep passengers safe, including the requirement to be vaccinated. Covid is no different, Jacqui says. “To put it into perspective,havemillionaboutglobally10peopletravelled safely on cruise ships since June 2020.” She says New Zealand and Australia are some of the last ports to open in the world, “so we’re in the lucky position to have watched and learned from other countries”.
New Zealand’s maritime borders reopened on August 1, and while there were 40 cruise ships tentatively booked for Picton from November, it all depends on bookings, and how cruise companies design their tours and fill their fleet, she says. “In this first season in particular, we are going to have to be fairly flexible, because it is going to take a while for
Tourism Terroir
Destination Marlborough general manager Jacqui Lloyd, who is also the Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Cruise Association, says international interest in cruises has
Cellar doors are especially important for smaller wineries because they allow them to share their unique story and sell wine directly to customers, Anna says. “The cost and many conditions of obtaining an on-licence, which is currently required to charge for wine tasting samples, is too steep for many small cellar doors. Especially when you consider the small amount of revenue made from wine tastings does not even begin to cover the investment.”Winetastings at cellar doors are very controlled, educational activities and are a huge draw card for domestic and international visitors, she says. “A lot of people come to Marlborough especially for the wine.”
ACT list MP Chris Baillie’s private members’ bill aims to remove the additional restrictions on selling alcohol at Easter and Christmas, giving additional flexibility to any winegrowers wishing to operate on those days. This bill has been drawn from the ballot and is at an early stage of the parliamentary process.
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NZW General Counsel and General Manager for Advocacy, Sarah Wilson, says while the Government has not yet progressed a promised review of the Act, there have been indications it will commence within the current Parliamentary term. “We look forward to engaging with the parliamentary process on any bills that may be introduced in this space, and engaging with the Government on the review of the Act when that takesSeparately,place.”
Winepress August 2022 / 13 PROTECT Alcohol licensing As cellar doors prepare for the return of international visitors, New Zealand Winegrowers continues its push for improvements to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.
Te Whare Ra Wines co-owner Anna Flowerday, who is a member of the New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Marketing Committee, says the changes, which include allowing cellar doors with an off-licence to charge for tastings, would support wine tourism, reflect the premium value of New Zealand wines, and reinforce the wine sector’s focus on responsible consumption.
matthew@catalinasounds.co.nz+64210330826fraser@catalinasounds.co.nz+6421749456 of Sauvignon
Anna Flowerday Matt or Fraser a confidential call: Blanc from
there are two private members’ bills directly relevant to winery cellar doors: National MP for Kaikōura Stuart Smith’s private members’ bill, if passed, would largely address winegrowers’ concerns about cellar door licensing. This bill has not yet been drawn from the ballot.
cruise companies to get up to speed and for things to return to normal.”About 60% of the cruise ships scheduled into Picton this year carry less than 2,000 passengers - a number that Marlborough cellar doors and tour operators seem comfortable with managing. A third of those were “boutique” ships carrying 400-600 passengers, who tend to have a higher discretionary income. The remaining 30%, which includes the behemoths Ovation of the Seas and Majestic Princess, could carry up to 4,000 people, Jacqui says. “Those larger ships are where we’re working hard with tour providers to look at our inventory and figure out a more effective way of managing large groups of people.” Covid has been tough on tourism, but one good thing to come out of the pandemic is the opportunity to have a “reset”, says Jacqui. “All these discussions we’ve had over the past two years have reinforced how interlinked tourism really is, so it just makes sense for us all to work together.”
KAT PICKFORD
section of the Renwick Cycle Trail looks set to be completed in time for the summer season, says Renwick Smart and Connected Bike Walk Working Group Chair Steve Hill. The section, which runs from Jackson’s Road to the bridge on State Highway 6 and along the Ōpaoa River Reserve before connecting with Havelock Street in Renwick, will complete the loop of some 19kms of cycle trail, connecting 13 wineries in the area.
Trail Blazers Cycle way loop near completion
As part of its completion, the group was establishing some branding for the trail, to ensure it was representative of the international reputation of Marlborough wineries. “We’ll be working with Destination Marlborough, Wine Marlborough, local cellar doors and key stakeholders in the community to make sure we get the name right,” Steve says. With construction of the Whale Trail - a cycling and walking trail connecting Picton and Kaikōura - well underway, the next step was to connect with wineries at the eastern end of Rapaura Road, by creating a trail from Jacksons Road to SH1 at Spring Creek along the Wairau River stopbank. “We envisage cyclists on the Whale Trail cycling out to Renwick and extending their trip by a day and visiting our world class cellar doors,” says Steve. “Or day trippers from Wellington catching the early morning ferry, cycling around Renwick for the day, before returning home on the late ferry.”
14 / Winepress August 2022 ANCELEBRATEINTEGRAL
The cycle trail will pass through several properties, and it had been a long process to ensure all boxes were ticked to the satisfaction of all parties, Steve says. “It’s been a long process, but we’ve had really good support from the legal teams of Pernod Ricard, Lion New Zealand, Talley’s Group and other landowners. We’re going through the last bits and pieces of the consenting process now and the aim is to have it done by summer.”
In the late 1970s and early 1980s he converted the property and planted an extensive fruit orchard with apples and kiwifruit and a large market garden growing crops such as squash, garlic, onions, brassicas, and greens.
Robert has travelled extensively overseas and loves meeting people from different parts of the world - many of whom have never heard of New Zealand but are big fans of Marlborough wine.
Taking time out to tour guide KAT PICKFORD With a passion for cycling, travelling and Marlborough, retired grape grower Robert Kennedy jumped at the opportunity to do some tour guiding in his own backyard.From dairy farming to growing pip fruit, vegetables and grapes, Robert has made a living from the land his entire life and seen many changes sweep the region. Growing up on the family dairy farm in the lower Wairau near, the Grovetown Lagoon, Robert was the third generation of Kennedys to farm the land.
CONTACT Ben Glover ben@thecoterie.co.nz0295208288
Long time Marlborough residents may remember KG’s Fruit and Vegetable shop located on State Highway 1 in Grovetown - a joint venture built by the Kennedy and Giles families. But as the popularity of Granny Smith and then Red Delicious apples waned in the mid-1990s, Robert started converting some of the 32-hectare property into vineyards.Atthe time, people thought he and his wife Lynne were crazy to plant grapes in Grovetown, but that only spurred them on, Robert says. “We were told by everyone that grapes wouldn’t grow on our side of the railway lines. So it became a bit of a challenge to prove that we could.”
Back then, grape growing was vastly different to today. Everything was labour intensive and developing vineyards took a long time, as specialised viticulture equipment either hadn’t been invented or was not readily available in New Zealand.However, the camaraderie and collaboration within the industry was amazing, he says. “Even though everyone thought we were taking a risk, we had great support and learned a lot from other growers around the region. It was totally different to fruit and crop growers.”
He credits that affinity among growers to the region’s wine pioneers who worked hard to develop international markets for Marlborough wine in the 1970s and 1980s. “Unlike fruit and vegetables, which were largely for the domestic market, wine has always been about export, so we weren’t competing against anyone else.”
Winepress August 2022 / 15 CELEBRATE
Grape growing is hard work and often quite solitary, so when Robert was approached by Karen Walshe, owner of tour company Explore Marlborough, with the opportunity to do some wine cycle tour guiding, he jumped at the chance to mix and mingle with others. Tour guiding during late summer, “while waiting for the grapes to ripen”, was an ideal way to get out and about and meet other people, especially after handing over the management of the family vineyard to two of his three children four years ago, he says. “Tour guiding works for me because it’s flexible. I can pick and choose the days that suit, and I’m back home by mid-afternoon, with plenty of time for a bike ride or a round of golf.”
Robert Kennedy Got grapes? We are looking for quality focused organic growers to join The Coterie family. varieties considered.
All
ORGANIC GRAPES WANTED CollaborativeInnovativeMarlborough
Nicci says the Marlborough wine industry workforce plan follows on from that broad work, and focuses on Marlborough’s specific needs. “We’re different from every other wine region in the country. We have specific seasonal and long-term needs, alongside workforce factors that are unique to Marlborough.”
There is a lack of understanding of how people can get where they want to go in the industry, she says. “They’re not sure what to do next, who to talk to.... There’s a real need to support our young people in their own career development.”
Building
• The work needs to be industry-led: • Stakeholders need to be aligned in a clear direction; and
Many of those who took part in initial consultations had unexpected routes into the wine industry. While some definitely have legacy family paths into the industry, many Force a sustainable labour supply
industry needs are specific, Nicci says, and while the industry is production-driven, it also needs to be people-driven. “For our industry to thrive, people need to thrive. For Marlborough to thrive, our industry, and our people need to thrive.”
The initiative has been seeded by the Government’s Regional Skills Leadership Group, which last month published Te Mahere Ahumahi ā-Rohe o Te Tauihu o Te Waka-a-Māui, the Marlborough Regional WorkforceMarlborough’sPlan.
CATHIE BELL
Nicci has held several meetings with different groups of Marlborough industry participants as part of early information gathering. Initial responses from some who have been working less than 10 years in the industry have been particularly interesting, she says. “There is no clear sense of a promotion path in this group.”
Nicci Armour came into the industry not knowing anything about wine and taking a gamble that this was the right path for them.
Nicci says there are three key things driving the Marlborough plan:
From now til the end of the year, a 10-person steering group is to meet and draft a workforce plan, towards both short-term and long-term outcomes. Alongside that will be working groups, set up to progress particular aspects of the plan or specific projects. It’s clear there needs to be a long-term project, but first, a firm foundation needs to be set so that the industry can build a sustainable solution, says Nicci.The Government’s Marlborough Regional Workforce Plan sets out regional aspirations, priorities and actions for current and future workforce and skills development in the region. It is focused on creating a more resilient, sustainable economy and workforce, and an enabled Māori economy.
The plan highlights local labour supply and demand trends and focuses on what Marlborough can do as a community to achieve a highly skilled and coordinated regional labour market over the longer term.Alongside wine, the plan looked at aquaculture, aviation, aged residential care, and building and construction.
One of the images captured by Richard Briggs for the 2022 cellar hand recruitment attraction campaign
Some workers in Marlborough’s wine industry are unsure of their career pathway, according to recent consultations. That’s just one of the insights gleaned in the early stages of a six-month push to develop a wine industry workforce development plan, says Wine Marlborough advocacy manager Nicci Armour.
“For Marlborough to thrive, our industry, and our people need to thrive.”
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• Both short-term and long-term needs have to be included.
Work
Winepress August 2022 / 17 www.agrimm.co.nz Alistair Pullin 021 590 329 Are you planting bare rooted vines this season? Root dip with Abzorber and Unite. • Stimulate early root and shoot growth. • Easy to mix and loaded with nutrients. • Reduce moisture stress in young plants. Fire up your young vines with Abzorber and Unite.
Two days prior, on August 9, 1973, there’s an article entitled “Montana to mark vineyard start”, telling readers of the official celebrations to be held later that month, on August 24. It also mentions that “by the end of today, some 150 acres of vines will have been planted on the Brancott property, formerly farmed by Mr Steve Waldron. By the end of September, the acreage planted will be 1,200”. So we know planting is well underway by that date.
“The Wine Exhibition is a must-see in the itineraries of visitors to Marlborough,” says Steve. marlboroughmuseum.org.nz/exhibitions/wine-exhibition
The following day Montana was advertising for “casual female labour” for “the establishment work in the Blenheim vineyard”. I can’t find how many “casual females” applied. With 60 hectares planted by Thursday August 9, we’re left with planting likely starting somewhere between Monday July 30 and Friday August 3, 1973, Can anyone narrow this down further? Or should we just plan on a week-long celebration of this pivotal moment in our industry and region’s history? If you’ve got any further information or can add to the story, I’d love to hear from you at mike@grapesense.co.nz.
The Marlborough Museum has a permanent museum exhibition showcasing the history of wine and viticulture in Marlborough. The Wine Exhibition has been designed to be of interest to a general as well as a specialist audience, says museum Chief Executive Steve Austin. “This exhibition is the perfect introduction to wine in Marlborough; an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to add to their understanding of our wine heritage, and how it relates to today.”
18 / Winepress August 2022 NEXTCELEBRATEYEAR
is the 50-year anniversary of Montana’s first planting of their vineyards in Marlborough, in one of the biggest drivers of economic and social change this region has seen.While there had been vineyards in the region in earlier times, including at Auntsfield 150 years ago next year, they had disappeared by the early 1930s. For more than 40 years there wasn’t a commercial vineyard in Marlborough, which is hard to believe now, as vines steadily march westward and southward. It’s also hard to believe that conventional wisdom in the 1980s and early 1990s was that grapes couldn’t be grown west of Bedford Road.The first modern plantings in 1973 are still within living memory for some of us, but memories fade fast and the actual date of the first vines planted by Montana (now Pernod Ricard Winemakers) is already hazy. New Zealand Winegrowers Fellow Andy Frost and I have been trying to nail down that date and it’s a confusing business. There are plenty of references to August 24, 1973, as being the day, as there was an official celebration of the first vines being planted held at the Fairhall Vineyard, which was then referred to as No.1 Vineyard or the Walsh vineyard, after the previous owners. “Official Celebration” is often corporatespeak for “we did something earlier and we’re getting around to having a party now” and that is definitely the case here. Trolling back through past issues of The Marlborough Express, there are photographs and articles from August 11, 1973, which indicate that planting was in full swing at Brancott Estate (also known then as No. 2 or the Waldron vineyard) by then. The article is conclusive as it also has photographs of vine lines being sighted through a rifle scope and vines actually being planted.
Fifty Years Preparing for Marlborough wine’s half century celebrations MIKE INSLEY Marlborough’s wine history
Exhibits include iconic, old, rare and unusual wines, interesting viticulture, and winemaking equipment, educational audio visuals, interactive displays, oral histories, memorabilia, photos, stories, wine brand histories.
Going back to The Marlborough Express for July 27, 1973, there’s a piece pre-empting the first vines going in, stating that “the first plantings for Montana vineyards in Blenheim will be made next week. Preparations are well underway to plant more than 400 acres on the property formerly farmed by Mr S.A. Waldron, on Brancott Road.”
Viticulturist Mike Insley owns Grape Sense in Marlborough, offering planning, production and problem-solving on vineyards. He also provides vineyard real estate services through Harcourts Marlborough.
The NZSVO committee of 10 is comprised of industry leaders, mentors and innovators, and enjoys support from the likes of Plant & Food Research, Bragato Research Institute, Lincoln University and Auckland University. “We
ClimateCool
In addition to sharing cutting edge technology and the latest industry research, the NZSVO is committed to offering an immersive New Zealand experience. “We have partnered with Tourism New Zealand and NZW to offer delegates a mix of experience packages for the shoulder dates of our conference,” says Jeff. “We have such a beautiful country and diverse range of wine growing regions. It would be a disservice not to provide visiting delegates with the opportunity to experience New Zealand beyond the event’s four walls.” New Zealand Winegrowers
Wine Symposium coming to New Zealand NZSVO Technical Workshop
Winepress August 2022 / 19 EDUCATE 0800 436 723 | waterforce.co.nz FOR ALL REQUIREMENTS.IRRIGATIONYOUR WaterForce provides industry-leading knowledge, technical expertise and experience. • From concept to completion SCADAFarm system – interactive cloud-based program for control of your irrigation Sub-surface irrigation • Full vineyard compliance Water quality and compliance • Nationwide team support Irrigation design accredited IRRIGATION PUMPING MEASUREMENTWATER FILTRATIONWATERSERVICES
The New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology (NZSVO) will hold its Technical Workshop on Alternative Varietals in Marlborough on October 18. A cross section of speakers will present throughout the day long workshop, running across five sessions. The day includes keynote addresses from Sophie ParkerThomson MW, Emma Jenkins MW and Dr Bruno Fedrizzi. nzsvo.org.nz all contribute deep industry knowledge to the planning process, not to mention an impressive list of colleagues and contacts,” says Jeff. “The challenge may actually be keeping the programme to just three days.”
New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Chief Executive Philip Gregan says it is a “quite the coup” for the NZSVO to have secured another opportunity to host the symposium. “It will be such a pleasure to share the New Zealand wine story with our industry peers and reveal how far we’ve come since New Zealand last hosted the ICCWS 20 years ago.”
ONE OF the challenges in hosting the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium will be keeping the programme to three days, says Jeff Sinnott. “We are beyond excited to host a third ICCWS,” says the Chair of the New Zealand Society for Viticulture and Oenology (NZSVO). “New Zealand has grown so much since we last hosted and this past experience puts us in a unique position to create an immersive and engaging event.”
The NZSVO committee began its bid to host the 11th ICCWS in 2019, prior to borders closing to Covid-19. Now they are designing a three day ‘Pure Innovation’ conference programme to be held at the recently completed Te Pae conference centre in Christchurch. “There are some very exciting research projects and industry trials happening at the moment and we hope to bring them to light in four years’ time,” says Jeff.
Qualifying for Marlborough is quite a different thing to making the cut in Auckland, where the pool of competitors is quite small, he says. “I don’t know how many applicants there are here, but they only take eight of them. In this region... you know you are really competing.”
Tahryn moved to Marlborough straight after his first Young Viticulturist national final, with again no half measures. His ute was loaded up with all his worldly possessions and the morning after the finals’ award dinner in the Wairarapa, he and his partner drove to the ferry. “I was definitely looking for a move to a region working at scale,” he says. “Boutique was interesting but it is not the crux of the business in this country.”
However, he’s not a huge fan of Marlborough’s flagship variety. “The mass production of Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t really appeal to me. Fine wines, organics, that really takes my fancy.” But Sauvignon Blanc pays the bills, he says. “To be a good viticulturist in this country, you have to have a firm understanding of the business, not just the bits you like. This is a business, some part has to make money, good money. Sauvignon Blanc does that, it is something I need to know how to manage.”
A school friend introduced him to work at Villa Maria’s Auckland site during the holidays and he ended up completing an apprenticeship there. “That Auckland site is quite unique – it is really a boutique show vineyard.” It was, a “deep end introduction to the finer arts of viticulture”, he says. “That’s what really sparked my interest... The more I thought about it, the more a career appealed.”
Originally from Auckland, this is Tahryn’s fourth shot at a regional title, having initially competed in Auckland, where he placed third the first year and then first in the following competition. After moving to Marlborough, he came third last year, before taking the title last month. This year’s competition was his last opportunity to enter, as he approaches the age cut off of 30, so Tahryn decided to have another shot. “It would have been a shame to pass it up.”
Looking to the future, he is excited about the potential of new technology to change the way people in Marlborough manage their vineyards. Photo Richard Briggs
TAHRYNCELEBRATEMASON
20 / Winepress August 2022
As an Aucklander at the national finals, he felt like a small player on a big stage, he adds, noting that only one Aucklander has won the final. “I had a very out-of-mydepth feeling last time. It was very much just an adventure. I’d finished my apprenticeship by that stage, so I had a fair grasp of the business,” he says. “I had been doing study in my own time, but it didn’t really bridge the gap. I feel much better this Tahryntime.”isbased at Villa Maria’s Seaspray Cluster –four vineyards in the Awatere, two of which are organic. He’s spent all his time in the industry with Villa Maria –from casual work during university study in 2016 to going fulltime in 2018, and he’s grateful for the company’s support.
Living life at full strength CATHIE BELL “I tried my hand at university for a few degrees but didn’t finish a single one. No degrees and six years to work out uni wasn’t for me. “But the people who run vineyards aren’t always the people with degrees.”
The 2022 Marlborough Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year was held at Giesen House in Rapaura on July 7. See event images from Richard Briggs on facing page
Young Viticulturist
doesn’t do things in half-measures. In the past few months, he has completed harvest, become a father, and won the Corteva Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year. Describing it as a whirlwind, Tahyrn confesses he’s looking forward to a break after the national finals in Marlborough on August 30. “I don’t do things in halfmeasures, that’s for sure.”
Villa Maria Claudia Clark
Daniel Clearwater
Constellation Brands Kris Godsall
Winepress August 2022 / 21 CELEBRATE Second place went to Jess Marston from Giesen Wines
Matt
Whitehaven Competitors, organisers and national sponsors
Constellation Brands came third The regional title was taken by Tahyrn Mason from Villa Maria Zac Howell
Committee member Fox from from from from
IT be great to be a winemaker?” Those words were nothing more than a throwaway comment, made by a young Chloe Gabrielsen’s father as he sipped his habitual glass of wine one evening. Chloe didn’t realise it then, but those words, like seeds, lay dormant for a long time before sprouting into fruition when she found herself in Marlborough, many years later. The Lake Chalice Winemaker says growing up in Taupō and attending Turakina Māori Girls’ College in Marton, she knew nothing about the New Zealand wine industry. Based on her parents’ choice of wine, she thought winemaking was exclusively Australian or French. For some reason, her father’s words stayed with her. When she saw a newspaper advertisement for a winemaking course in Blenheim, she cut it out and kept it. But it wasn’t until she arrived in Marlborough “following a boy” some years later, that it dawned on her that New Zealand had its own thriving wine industry. Never one to let an opportunity pass by, Chloe applied for the Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. Despite not taking chemistry at high school, she got a place.
One of the key things she learned was to be herself, she says. “It’s very easy to look around and see other personalities and think ‘that’s the kind of marketing person I need to be’. But you are what you know, and once I understood that and focused on being me and being genuine it was easy to transition into that face-to-face stuff.”
After the birth of her son Asher, Chloe reduced her hours and responsibilities for a while as Health and Safety Officer, then in 2012 picked up a role with the winemaking team. “Winemaking was something I’d always wanted to do, but I wasn’t sure I was capable,” she says. “It’s one of those things you don’t know until you try whether you have the capacity in your palate, or the ability to manage the workflow, or imagination to dream up great wine and the skill to create it in the winery.”
In 2016, Chloe expanded her winemaking portfolio when Saint Clair Family Estate bought the Marlborough wine label Lake Chalice Wines. “That’s when I really started learning the marketing side of wine too,” she says. “It was a big learning curve, being the face of a brand and taking all my winemaking knowledge and transitioning into the marketplace, rather than just making the wine.”
Generation Y-ine Winemaker welcomes the mahi
KAT PICKFORD “It’s one of those things you don’t know until you try whether you have the capacity in your palate, or the ability to manage the workflow, or imagination to dream up great wine and the skill to create it in the winery.”
Seventeen years and a number of roles later, Chloe remains at Saint Clair Family Estate. “No one told me to finish up yet,” she laughs. After one full vintage as cellarhand, Chloe was offered the Cellar Master role. Back then, the position was not as big as it is now, but at the time it was a big jump for her, she says. “I didn’t feel ready, but the team was very supportive and I’ve always been happy to take on a challenge and see what I can learn. I’m not shy of doing the mahi and I’m not afraid to fail or take a step back if something is too much.”
22 / Winepress August 2022 “WOULDN’TCELEBRATE
Chloe Gabrielsen In 2006, after completing the degree the year before, she phoned Saint Clair Family Estate to see if there were any vintage jobs available. “It was daunting as I’d done lots of work in the vineyard, but hadn’t spent any time in the winery,” says Chloe, who had worked summers at Ormond Nurseries while she was studying. “Vintage had already started, so I was straight into it. There were a lot of lightbulb moments on that first day. The team was amazing; I was only one of three or four females, it was very male dominated at that time.”
Winepress August 2022 / 23 GROW Better Biology Better Wine for*Asusedin2021AccoladeWinestrialprovenyieldincreaseandbettertastingwine. Mycorrcin – to boost soil microbes that increase root growth and nutrient uptake Digester – to decompositionstimulatemicrobes to recycle organic matter fast Foliacin – to improve foliar health and resilience in times of environmental stress Available from leading horticultural suppliers For strong vines, consistent yields and better tasting wines*apply: 0800 116 229 biostart.co.nz PROVINCIAL COLDSTORES LIMITED Let us take care of all your controlled Temperature storage requirements: ◆ Custom controlled area ◆ Approved Transitional Facility for unloading of Imported Containers ◆ Over 60,000 cubic metres of storage spread over two sites. ◆ Chilled storage available during vintage for handpicked grapes. ◆ Sophisticated monitoring equipment ensures your product is kept at the optimum temperature. ◆ We could lease you a small room for your exclusive use to suit your particular temperature requirements (0 o C to + 30 o C). ◆ We store bottled wine, barrels of wine and new plants awaiting the opportune time to plant. ◆ Individual rooms available to grow new budwood. Old Renwick Road, Blenheim Tel: 03 578 2648 Fax: 03 578 2546 www.provincialcoldstores.co.nz Gouland Road, Spring Creek. Tel: 03 570 5944 Fax: 03 570 5955 “the coolest place in Marlborough” CMYCYMYCMYMCK PCL AD Winepress 2016.pdf 1 15/07/16 3:21 PM SUPPLIERS OF: n Vineyard posts & strainers n Quality timber products n Utility buildings - designed for your needs n Locally owned n Working towards the betterment of Marlborough TOP DEALS ~ TOP SERVICE 163 Hammerichs Road, Blenheim Ph 03 578 0221 Fax 03 578 0251 sales@rapauratimber.co.nz
A NEW nursery biosecurity scheme has officially been launched for New Zealand plant producers. The scheme, known as Plant Pass, reduces the risk of unwanted organisms becoming established in nurseries and spreading via the domestic plant trade. New Zealand Winegrowers (NWZ) has supported the scheme from its inception, and it’s great to see the nursery industry getting on board, registering for the scheme and starting to implement biosecurity best practice. Nurseries are a key source of biosecurity risk for all plant-based primary industries. If pests and diseases are present in nursery stock, they are easily propagated and then potentially sent all over the country through sales and plant movements. The New Zealand wine industry has had the Grafted Grapevine Standard (GGS) in place for many years to try to ensure that grapevine nurseries are, at a minimum, selling vines that are true to type, and have been tested for leafroll-3 virus. However, vines aren’t the only plants in many vineyards, so there has always been additional biosecurity risk not captured by the GGS, in terms of what other plants planted in and around vineyards may be carrying. How does Plant Pass work? The Plant Pass framework provides a systematic approach to biosecurity in nurseries, improving biosecurity risk management and reducing the risk of a high-impact pest or disease establishing in a nursery and being spread by the domestic sale of plants around the country. Plant Pass consists of a core standard which producers must meet in order to become certified, and additional modules designed to manage specific risks. There are currently additional modules available for nurseries managing the risk of phytophthora, myrtle rust and kauri dieback. Once a producer has registered for the scheme, they prepare to be audited against the core standard and any additional modules they have selected. If the audit process determines they meet all requirements, certification is granted, and the nursery can market itself as Plant Pass certified.
Why should you purchase from Plant Pass nurseries? Plant Pass certified nurseries have been independently audited to ensure that their processes incorporate biosecurity best practice, and therefore their plants are grown in an environment that minimises exposure to pests and pathogens. This means less risk to vineyards and gardens when new plantings are added to a site. Making a decision to purchase from Plant Pass certified nurseries will also help encourage other nurseries to get involved in the scheme and improve their biosecurity practices too. Alongside the Plant Pass scheme, a Plant Buyer’s Accord has been launched. The accord allows businesses that regularly purchase large numbers of plants to show their support for Plant Pass by committing to purchase only from certified producers.
24 / Winepress August 2022 BiosecurityPROTECT Watch The importance of nursery biosecurity SOPHIE BADLAND IF YOU SEE ANYTHING UNUSUAL Call MPI biosecurity hotline 0800 80 99 66 CATCH IT . SNAP IT . REPORT IT .
How does Plant Pass interact with the Grafted Grapevine Standard? The NZW Grafted Grapevine Standard (GGS) was developed in 2006, in conjunction with an advisory group that included nursery representatives, industry practitioners and scientists. The purpose of the GGS is to assure growers,
Zealand wine industry. It’s important to remember however, that neither GGS nor Plant Pass certification can guarantee complete freedom from pests and diseases. Growers still need to be checking certified vines and Plant Pass plants upon receipt of orders from their nursery, and if any issues are suspected, act quickly to contact the nursery to resolve them. When inspecting new vines, choose a sample size that is appropriate to the size of the order, and samples should
be plantpass.org.nz.benurseries)of(includingaboutinformationandnzwine.com,foundsheetaofboxes.fromselectedmultipleAcopytheGGSandsummaryfactcanbeatmorePlantPassalistparticipatingcanfoundat Winepress August 2022 / 25 PROTECT Vineyards Wanted! RURAL | VITICULTURE | LIFESTYLE Exceptional results achieved You may be surprised what your property is worth! PGG Wrightson - Working closely with the viticulture sector in Marlborough. Call us for a confidential chat today Ken McLeod M 027 433 4746 Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069 Greg Lyons M 027 579 1233 www.pggwre.co.nz Helping grow the countryPGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008. viticulturists, winemakers and other stakeholders that GGScertified vines are high-health vines which meet certain standards, including: • Trueness to type • Testing for grapevine leafroll associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) • Vine health • Documentation and management systems • Physical specifications
The processes required to produce GGS-certified vines go a long way towards mitigating any biosecurity risks that may be associated with the purchase of new vines, and NZW recommends growers use GGS-certified vines for all new and replacement plantings. In light of the similarities between the Plant Pass core standard and the GGS, a benchmarking exercise was undertaken to identify any areas where the GGS would need to be strengthened to meet the Plant Pass core biosecurity standard. A new version of the GGS (v.4) has subsequently been released, which allows grapevine nurseries to opt to be audited against an additional ‘Biosecurity Management’ section of the standard. Those that meet these new requirements, along with the rest of the GGS, are then able to apply for Plant Pass certification under an equivalence provision. This allows them to gain both certifications through a single annualNZWaudit.strongly supports both Plant Pass and the GGS as mechanisms for ensuring the continued health of the New
Industry News
NICCI ARMOUR
Wine Marlborough Advocacy Update
Over the past several months, the Wine Marlborough team has been focused on developing our annual plan for the 20222023 financial year. This process has helped us focus on where we are best placed to support our industry members and build towards a long-term, strategic vision for the Marlborough wine region.
The Coterie Marlborough’s Coterie Du Vin and Glover Family Vineyards have merged into a new integrated wine company, The Coterie. Directors Ben Glover and Rhyan Wardman say the merger was part of the long-term strategic vision for the shareholders and an “organic fit”, given that Glover Family Vineyards wines were already being produced at Coterie Du Vin’s Bedford Road winery, and that both companies shared the same winemaking philosophy. Over the past four years Coterie Du Vin has specialised in small batch, organic, premium contract winemaking for a range of wine brands. Glover Family Vineyards is one of Marlborough’s oldest family-owned grape growers, and producer of premium Marlborough brands Zephyr, Massey Dacta and Bob/Short for Kate. Staff of both businesses will transition to the new company. Ben Glover
if you have any questions or information to share. At a government level, outcomes of the Three Waters reform remain uncertain, with a lot of information yet unknown about the proposals and how they will impact Marlborough. Public submissions on the Water Services Entities Bill closed in July and more information should be forthcoming in the next few months. Notably, local authority elections are coming up and will be held on Saturday, October 8. Our newly elected councillors will be central to helping navigate reforms such as Three Waters, so please consider your role in participating in or supporting this local election process.
Vitamin and mineral content of TCKP Natural Kelp Tea as analysed by Cawthron Research Institute | September 2012 Analysis Result Units Crude Protein 0 6 g/100 Aluminium 5.5 mg/kg Arsenic 2.6 mg/kg Boron 4 8 mg/kg Copper 15 mg/kg Iron 24 mg/kg Magnesium 290 mg/kg Nickel 0 66 mg/kg Phosphorus 120 mg/kg Potassium 3000 mg/kg Rubidium 1 2 mg/kg Strontium 22 mg/kg Zinc 7.0 mg/kg A complete food for plants and soils Organic Natural Kelp Tea Contains 18 Amino Acids Ideal for use in the vineyard and available in any quantity from 20 litres to 2000 litres in a single delivery to your preferred site www.naturalkelp.co.nz 027 445 3708 mick norton@xtra co nz
Over the next few months, advocacy will have strong emphasis on working through our industry’s short-term and long-term workforce needs at a regional level. A steering group formed by diverse representatives from industry will help to drive the scope and activity of this work. Participation from everyone involved in the Marlborough wine sector is welcomed, and at the end of August a workshop will be held specifically for this. We recognise that preparing for seasonal peaks is challenging, particularly whilst navigating the ripple effects of New Zealand’s immigration reset and post-Covid reality. Wine Marlborough works in close collaboration with other industry bodies, including New Zealand Winegrowers and New Zealand Ethical Employers, to share industry information to the right stakeholders and keep our membership up to date. Please contact Nicci Armour, Advocacy Manager, Wine Marlborough, advocacy@winemarlborough.nz
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Winepress August 2022 / 27
New World Wine Awards
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The company is continuously looking for ways to increase sustainability within the business and for its clients, says Nick. “This happens through up-to-date training and research for the latest technology.”
the vineyard and its Black Angus Stud in Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley. The Stud was open to viewing on the “Village Green” prior to the auction. The event was a great success, with a total of 26 bulls on show and guests enjoying “true Marisco hospitality”, says owner Brent Marris. “This is something that we hope will become a long-lasting tradition for our station.”
Later this month show Co-Chairs Sam Kim and Jen Parr will oversee 15 wine experts in Blenheim, spending three days blind judging entries individually and in panels, in the competition’s 20th year. “The New World Wine Awards have carved out a fantastic opportunity for both local and international wineries looking to boost their brand awareness at the supermarket, where wine-lovers are often on the lookout for trusted recommendations,” says Sam. Two scholarship winners from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology will attend as Associate Judges, along with the 2021 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year Ben McNab.
Irrigation Boss After 15 years in the irrigation industry, from the trenches through to design, Nick Allen has become manager of WaterForce in Blenheim and Nelson. “Our teams’ main goal is to grow our service and design portfolio while providing the best service available with state-of-the-art technology, retrofitting vineyards to be more efficient making every last bit of water count” he says. “With the Three Waters Reform before government, all forms of farming and domestic water will be affected at some stage throughout New Zealand,” Nick adds. “This is where our expertise and national support will be essential.”
Winning a spot in the 2021 New World Wine Awards Top 50 brought huge benefits to Marlborough wine company te Pā, including selling out of its award-winning te Pā Chardonnay 2020, says Marketing Manager Mikela Dennison. “Winning Gold for our te Pā Chardonnay two years in a row, and then winning the trophy for White Wine of the Show last year has seen the wine sell out each time, which is a fantastic outcome.”
Free trade deal
A new free trade deal with the European Union is positive for New Zealand’s wine industry, says New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Philip Gregan. “Our understanding is that the agreement is positive for winegrowers exporting to the EU. It will help remove technical barriers to trade, and reduce burdens from certification and labelling requirements in a dedicated Wine Annex. It will also support future growth in the market, and encourage exporters to focus on the EU.” The EU is a significant export market for New Zealand wine, with over 20 million litres of wine exported, valued at over $150 million over the past 12 months. “The EU’s complex rules can make market access difficult for winegrowers, so it is encouraging to see some easing of restrictions in this area,” says Philip.
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Wine Happenings A monthly list of events within the New Zealand wine industry. To have your event included in the August Wine Happenings, please email details to sophie@sophiepreece.co.nz by August 21. Due to uncertainty around Covid-19, there may be changes to some of these listed events. For more information, please use the contact supplied or email sarah@winemarlborough.nz 28 / Winepress August 2022 TIME TO REPLANT YOUR VINEYARD? Marl Wine Show Judging - Sep 28 - 30Young Viticulturist - August 30 - 31Spray Days - August 15 - 18 AUGUST 1 Marlborough Wine & Food Festival - exhibitor registrations open (marlboroughwinefestival.com) 7 Cosy Sunday Sessions – Winter at Forrest, from 1pm to 4pm until September 4 9 Cellar Door International Shipping presentation from Wine Collective direct, Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen 12 Marlborough Winegrowers Election – members notified 15 Marlborough Wine Show entries open (marlboroughwineshow.com) 15 – 17 Spray Days Marlborough, Blenheim (nzwine.com/members/events/workshops/spray-days-2022) 18 Spray Days Marlborough, Awatere Valley 30 - 31 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year National Final, Marlborough (nzwine.com/young-vit) 31 Marlborough Winegrowers Election – nominations open (close September 9) SEPTEMBER 15 Marlborough Winegrowers Election – voting starts (closes September 30) 21 Marlborough Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year 2022 Competition 27 - 28 Beyond Vineyard Ecosystems; Growing for the future, Christchurch (nzwine.com/events) 28 - 30 Marlborough Wine Show Judging (marlboroughwineshow.com)
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Marlborough pioneered Sauvignon Blanc in the 1980s and many of these original vineyards are now ready for replacement vines. Now is the perfect time to move to the ECO TRELLIS® system which uses posts, clips and strainers as relevant to site location. Made in New Zealand of high-strength galvanised carbon steel coated with a thick layer of zinc ECO TRELLIS® posts are easy to install and fully recyclable at the end of their vineyard life. ECO TRELLIS® is the first choice of an increasing number of vineyard managers in New Zealand, Australia and the US.
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Winepress August 2022 / 29 TIME TO REPLANT YOUR VINEYARD?
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