WINEPRESS Issue No. 215 / June 2012
UK Market
Upcoming Competitions
Vintage 2013
Business Solutions
Photo: Jim Tannock
The Official Magazine of
www.wine-marlborough.co.nz
OPERATING WINERY
Marlborough
395 Awatere Valley Road
Deadline Sale 4pm, Tues 10 Jul 2012
9.392ha including a 4ha Pinot Noir Vineyard. Located 25km from Blenheim. Constructed in 2005 with recent Resource Consent approval to increase capacity from 2,000-6,000 tonnes. 990,000 litre tank capacity with extensive catwalk facility. Tanks range in size from 1,400-45,000 litre including 12 open top tanks with mechanical plunger for red fermentation. 2 temperature controlled barrel halls, full office facilities, amenities, laboratory and tasting room. The winery is equipped with a 330kw refrigeration plant controlled by a vinwizard system. This facility is surplus to the current owner’s requirements, providing an opportunity to purchase an operational winery with expansion consent.
VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Bayleys, Cnr Charles & Seymour Street, Blenheim (Unless sold prior) www.bayleys.co.nz/112343
Andy Poswillo
M 027 420 4202 B 03 578 7700 andy.poswillo@bayleys.co.nz
In this issue... Regulars
Features
3 4
8
Editorial Tasman Crop Met Report
7 Marketing Matters 16 Generation Y-ine 25 Business Solutions 27 Wine Happenings From Home and 28 News Away All correspondence including advertising / associate memberships / change of address to: Wine Marlborough PO Box 511, Blenheim 7240 T: 03 577 9299, F: 03 577 9298 E: admin@wine-marlborough.co.nz www.wine-marlborough.co.nz
Printed by: Blenheim Print Ltd. T: 03 578 1322 WINEPRESS is printed with vegetable oil based inks on elemental chlorine free paper which is sourced 100% from well managed forrests and manufactured under ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.
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21
NZ Wines Soaring in the UK The latest Nielsen Research shows New Zealand has lost none of its shine in the important UK market. Prices are still higher than any other country’s and the growth of our wine continues.
p7
Preparing for Vintage 2013 Cold temperatures at flowering last year will inevitably have an impact on the yields in 2013. Dr Mike Trought takes a close look at what the options are as we head into the all-important pruning season.
Scholarship Recipient Named The Wine Marlborough, John Avery, NZ-UK Link scholarship has been announced and the successful candidate is Kat Wiggins from Essex. She will be travelling to Marlborough later this year, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge about the UK wine market.
p13
Marlborough Wines on The World It is the largest privately owned yacht in the world, with a wine cellar of 12,000 bottles. Now The World will include five Marlborough wines on that impressive wine list.
p16
The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
6/2012 WINEPRESS
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Hi Tech Vineyard Equipment
Dave Pigou
MACHINE PRE-PRUNE YOUR GRAPES
• No stripping - less labour • Prune your vineyard faster • No reduction in quality or tonnage NOTE: VSP Growers - Topping reduces overall pruninng costs
RING FOR A QUOTE Inquiries to Dave Pigou
Ph 03 570 5768 Fax 03 570 5786 Cell 027 415 5013
For Expert Viticultural Property Advice
ALEXANDER HAYWARD LTD Registered Valuers, Property Consultants, Arbitrators Specialising in all aspects of Vineyard and Winery Valuation, Including Specialist Plant and Machinery Contact: Dave Stark Lex Hayward
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Ph 03 5789776 Fax 03 5782806
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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
Level 1, 20 Market St, BLENHEIM email valuations@alexhayward.co.nz
Produced by:
From the Editor
Wine Marlborough Free to all levy paying members Associate Members: $77 +GST Editor: Tessa Nicholson
May was a fantastic month in terms of accolades for Marlborough wines. At the International Wine Challenge in London, 13 of the 26 gold medals to come to New Zealand, came to this region. What was even more satisfying was the range of wines collecting those golds. While Sauvignon Blanc was by far the most dominant variety with seven golds, it
16 Bank Street
was great to see Marlborough Pinot Noir taking out three, more than any other New
Blenheim
Zealand Pinot producing region.
T: 021 709 571
Marlborough is often seen as the bridesmaid when it comes to Pinot Noir – with other
E: tessa.nicholson@me.com
regions gaining far more attention than we do. A lot of that has to do with people being blinded by the quality of our Sauvignon Blanc, and not able to see beyond that. But it
If you wish to make contact with any
wasn’t just Sauvignon and Pinot that impressed the judges.
member of the Wine Marlborough
There were two gold medals for Marlborough Chardonnay and one for a sparkling –
Board, the following are their email
showing the extensive range of quality wines coming out of this region.
addresses.
It was a similar story with the Decanter Wine Awards announced that same week.
Dominic Pecchenino:
Eight gold medals were awarded to Marlborough wines, with two of those being for
nzyanks@xtra.co.nz Anna Flowerday: ajflowerday@xtra.co.nz Blair Gibbs: blair@spyvalley.co.nz James Jones: james@starborough.co.nz Ivan Sutherland: ivan@dogpoint.co.nz Ben Glover: ben@witherhills.co.nz Ruud Maasdam: ruud@staetelandt.co.nz Clive Jones: cjones@nautilusestate.com
Pinot Noir, five for Sauvignon Blanc and one for a late harvest Sauvignon. (Full list of winners page 28.) The spectacular wins by not just Marlborough, but the whole of New Zealand reinforce why our wines are still moving forward in terms of price and volume in the UK market. The latest Nielsen research figures show this part of the world is acknowledged by the consumer as unique, quality driven and worth paying that little bit extra for. (See story page 8.) While on the subject of success, a massive congrats to Marcus Wickham and Nigel George, the brains behind the Klima mechanical pruner. Having revolutionised pruning here in Marlborough the Klima has now gone on to pick up two major innovation awards in Europe. In partnership with ERO Weinbau, (Germany’s largest viticultural machinery producer) the cane pruner has wowed judges at Montpellier and Milan. The innovation awards are a first for any New Zealand company and what’s even more interesting – they are a first for ERO and every other German viticultural machinery producer. Based here in Marlborough, the Klima is a success story that is following hard on the heels of the wine industry that spawned its creation. In times of difficulty, it’s great to be able to celebrate such success.
Richard Rose: kvl@silkweb.net.nz Guy Lissaman: glissaman@xtra.co.nz
TESSA NICHOLSON tessa.nicholson@me.com
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Met Report 1.2 m. An air frost is recorded when the
Table 1: Blenheim Weather Data – May 2012 May 2012 GDD’s for: Month - Max/Min¹ Month – Mean² Growing Degree Days Total July 11 to May 12-Max/Min July 11 to May 12 - Mean
May 2012 compared to LTA
May LTA
24.0 50.3
41% 70%
58.1 72.1
1190.2 1268.9
87% 89%
1370.0 1421.1
Mean Maximum (°C) 15.8 Mean Minimum (°C) 3.8 Mean Temp (°C) 9.8
+0.3°C -0.9°C -0.5°C 1.3°C
Period of LTA
May 2011
temperature falls below 0.0°C. Figure 1 indicates that May 2012 saw a return to an above average number of
(1996-2010) (1996-2010)
92.0 94.3
(1996-2010) 1454.9 (1996-2010) 1463.4
15.5 (1932-2000) 4.7 (1932-2000) 10.3 1932-2000) 11.1 (1986-2010)
17.6 8.1 12.8
Ground Frosts (<= -1.0°C) 11
equal 5.4 more
11.5 5.6
(1932-1980) (1986-2010)
2
Air Frosts (<0.0°C) 4
equal 2.6 more
3.6 1.4
(1932-1980) (1986-2010)
0
ground frosts, similar to 2008 and 2009, after low numbers in 2010 and 2011. Figure 1 also contrasts the dramatic difference in the number of frosts recorded for May, for the forty years 1932 to 1971, compared to the forty years from 1972 to 2011. This pattern of lower frost numbers over the past 40 years is seen for all months from March to November. Average number of frosts per annum
Sunshine hours 185.4 111% Sunshine hours – lowest Sunshine hours – highest Sunshine hours total – 2012 1010.8 95%
167 114.7 220.2 1059
(1930-2000) 161.8 1969 1930 (1930-2000) 997.3
Rainfall (mm) 28.6 44% Rainfall (mm) – lowest Rainfall (mm) – highest Rainfall total (mm) – 2012 185.8 72%
65 13.5 182.6 259
(1930-2000) 1936 1948 (1930-2000)
270.2
Evapotranspiration – mm
49.6
117%
42.4
(1996-2011)
53.6
Avg. Daily Windrun (km)
176.5
80%
220.7
(1996-2011)
201.3
9am mean soil temp – 10cm
7.0
-1.6°C
8.6
(1986-2011)
10.9
9am mean soil temp – 30cm
9.7
-1.4°C
11.1
(1986-2011)
12.5
120
¹GDD’s Max/Min are calculated from absolute daily maximum and minimum temperatures ²GDD’s Mean are calculated from average hourly temperatures May 2012 was cool, calm, sunny and fairly dry.
1932-1971 = 95 Average number of frosts per annum 1972-2011 = 55 Soil Temperature With an above average number of ground frosts in May, the average 9am soil temperatures recorded at 10, 20, 30 and 100 cm depth were all below average. The average soil temperatures summarised in Table 1 are recorded at 9 am each day. This is to maintain consistency with manually collected records up until the mid 1990s, when thermometers were only read once a day at 9am.
Air Temperatures
2012 was 3°C cooler that May 2011,
Figure 2 shows how the average monthly
May 2012 recorded a mean temperature
which was the second warmest May on
soil temperature (1986-2011) at each
of 9.8°C, or 0.5°C below the long-term
record.
of the four depths varies throughout the
average (1932-2011) of 10.3°C, but 1.3°C below the average for the 25 years 1986-2010 of 11.1°C. I have pointed out in previous editions of Met Report how Blenheim’s winter temperatures have been considerably warmer over the past 25 years. However, there has been almost no change in the summer temperatures over the same period. May
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Frosts May 2012 recorded 11 ground and 4 air frosts. A ground frost is recorded at a height of 2.5 cm above a mown grass surface. A ground frost is recorded when the temperature is equal to or below -1.0°C. An air frost is recorded in a Stevenson screen at a height of
The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
year. The deeper 100 cm soil varies by about 10°C between mid-summer and mid-winter, whereas the shallow 10 cm soil varies by about 15°C. The average monthly temperatures shown in Figure 2 do not reflect the marked differences in daily soil temperatures that can occur between the shallow and the deep soil. Figures 3 and
Figure 1: Ground frosts for May recorded in Blenheim 19322012
Figure 2: Blenheim average monthly 9am soil temperatures (1986-2011) at 10, 20, 30 and 100 cm depth
Figure 3: Daily fluctuation in 9am soil temperatures at 10, 20, 30 and 100 cm depth during January 4 show the daily fluctuation in soil temperatures that can occur during January and July. The deep 100 cm soil has very little daily fluctuation in temperature. In mid-summer the 100 cm soil is generally cooler than the shallower soils (Figure 3), whereas in mid-winter it is warmer (Figure 4). The shallower the soil, the more marked is the daily fluctuation in temperature. Sunshine May 2012 recorded 185.4 hours sunshine, considerably more than in the previous two years. There has been considerable variation in sunshine recorded during May over recent years. May 2010 with only 119.2 hours, was close to the lowest on
Figure 4: Daily fluctuation in 9am soil temperatures at 10, 20, 30 and 100 cm depth during July
record. However, May 2008 with 200.9 hours, was close to the highest total on record. Rainfall Blenheim only recorded 28.6 mm rain during May 2012, in contrast with 120 mm recorded in May 2011. Total rainfall for January to May 2012 was 185.8 mm and well below the longterm average of 259 mm. This is the lowest January to May total in the last 10 years. January to May 2003 recorded a very low total of 116.8 mm. Wind Run May 2012 recorded an average of 176.5 km of daily wind run. This was well below the
The Met Report was brought to you by
long-term average of 220.7 km (1996-2011). 2012 is the fifth year in succession that May has recorded lower than average wind run. What is also quite remarkable is that of the 12 months June 2011 to May 2012, 11 have recorded lower than average wind run. Only July 2011 was above average. Rob Agnew Plant & Food Research
NZ Owned & Operated
0800 855 255 | tasmancrop.co.nz
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Marketing Matters with David Strada – NZW Marketing Manager US May was a hectic month for the US NZW team. From the east coast to the west and back, the staff were involved in numerous Wine Fairs and tastings. In less than a week, the NZWine US
regions) plus two sweeter styles were
about the regionality of our wines and the
marketing team was involved in seven
included in the tasting.
array of varieties emanating from New
individual events, ranging from dinners,
We held another tasting at the Agora
Zealand.
to festivals, seminars to tastings. It all
Gallery in Chelsea New York the next
A wine dinner was held at Ana Mandara,
began on Monday May 14, in New
day, which coincided perfectly with an
featuring wines from four companies,
York. The wine fair for media and trade
exhibition of fine art from New Zealand.
the night before an all day wine seminar
was held at City Winery, attracting a
One of the ways of promoting our
organised with the help of NZTE. Among
good number of interested people. We
wines we have decided to try this year,
the presenters during the day were; Jon
were very pleased with the response
was taking them on site to relevant
Fredrikson of the Gomberg Fredrikson
to the wines on show, and particularly
workplaces. Gary Vaynerchuck has
Report, Paul Mabray of VinTank, Jim
the response to the Reisling seminar
recently started his own consulting
Chanteloup of K&L Wine Merchants,
held during the day. Who else could
business – VaynerMedia, with 125
(in Marlborough last year for the Wine
we ask to run this seminar, than Paul
employees. We were able to present a
Weekend) and Bill Cascio of Glazers
Grieco – Mr Riesling himself. Having just
New Zealand wine tasting to his staff and
Distributors in Texas.
spent time as a guest of New Zealand’s
associates on the Monday night, which
To end the week, New Zealand wines
Summer of Riesling, he was well versed
was a wonderful way of connecting with a
were a feature at the inaugural 2-day
in the outstanding qualities of this variety
large new market of consumers. It was a
Great GoogaMooga festival, held in
emanating from our part of the world.
great success.
Prospect Park in Brooklyn. Given the
Ten wines, (two each from the major
We did a similar event at the Twitter
temperatures during the weekend, it was
headquarters in San Francisco a
very noticeable how many people were
little later in the week, and while the
appreciating the cool, crisp New Zealand
numbers weren’t as high, it was good
Sauvignon Blancs.
to be able to present our wines to a
So all in all – a busy time for us here in
younger demographic.
the States. We look forward to introducing
While in San Fran, we also had a NZW
the 2012 wines to the consumer, later in
Fair for media and trade, held at Fort
the year.
Mason. Those attending were able to walk around the site, talk with wine makers and marketers and learn more
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NZ Wine Soaring in the UK TESSA NICHOLSON
The latest Nielsen research in the UK, has shown a marked improvement for this country’s wine sales, both in volume and value. There are a number of encouraging
like Australia, Spain and Italy.
Sauvignon, while France provides just
factors to emerge from the research, not
“For those of you that have existing
4%.
the least being the fact that New Zealand
importers and distributors, you would
But it’s not just our whites the consumers
still has the highest average retail price (£
be justified in asking that your brand is
appear to be infatuated with. Sales of
per bottle) of any country.
brought right to the top of the pecking
red wines, in particular Pinot Noir, have
Twelve months ago, that price was £6.08.
order within their portfolios. And for those
soared in recent years.
Currently it is £6.23, with the nearest
of you seeking distribution in the UK, this
What’s more people are prepared to pay
price point to New Zealand being France,
data provides hard proof that your brand
more for them, than they do from any
with an average price of £5.66.
should be considered seriously by any
other producing country. The average
NZWine’s European Director, David Cox,
importer you may be approaching.”
price for New Zealand red wine is now
says sales of New Zealand wine over £6
Given the UK’s love affair with our
£8.55, up from £7.94 12 months ago.
have grown 18% in the past year. “It now
Sauvignon Blanc, it isn’t surprising to
“That is twice the average price paid
represents 42.2% of all we sell. It’s going
see that nearly half of all the wine of this
for all red wines - £4.87,” David said.
in the right direction and demonstrates
variety consumed, comes from New
“It’s further proof that consumers are
that the incidence of deep discounts
Zealand – 49%.
perfectly happy to pay much more for
and half price deals for New Zealand
Chile provides 25% of the country’s
New Zealand red wine and price does
Sauvignon Blanc are declining.” But it is the £9 and above that wineries consider the sweet spot in terms of sales. So it’s great news for everyone, that our sales are on the increase in this price bracket, with New Zealand currently the second best performing country in both the £9 to £10, and also the £10 and above segments. In terms of growth, New Zealand has seen a massive increase in share in both price points – 26% in the £9 - £10 and 48% in the £10 and above. “New Zealand represents over 21% of all wine sold between £9 and £10 and is second only to France which is declining in this price segment,” David said. We are well above other powerhouses
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The above graph shows there have been far less swings in the pricing of New Zealand wine, when compared with the previous two years.
The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
not seem to be an issue.”
Africa and Chile, saw a drop in value
Despite New Zealand being the smallest
share.
of all the New World wine producers, the
Branded wine from individual countries
sales of our wine is second to none. In
– versus own label brands, is also
terms of the volume of cases sold in the
working in New Zealand’s favour. Only
UK, New Zealand is the only New World
five countries showed an increase in
country to show growth – an increase of
wine sales in this category – the rest saw
7% in the past year. We are also the only
declines.
one to grow in terms of country share
New Zealand’s increase was +7%. The
within the market, again rising by 7%.
other countries following suit are Italy,
And in terms of percentage of country
Spain, Argentina, and Portugal.
share in UK retail, New Zealand had the
Given the importance of the UK market
biggest growth in the 2011/2012 year,
for New Zealand wine, the above results
rising by 12%. The only other countries
are extremely positive. Now we just need
to see a major increase were Italy,
the dollar to move in the right direction so
Spain and Portugal. Other New World
wineries can take advantage of the solid
producers, such as Australia, South
sales.
Highlights of Nielsen Research • New Zealand is the only New World country showing positive volume growth – up 7% • New Zealand is one of only two New World countries showing a positive value increase – up 12% (Argentina is up 7%) • New Zealand has the highest average retail price (£ per bottle) at £6.23 • New Zealand dominates the average retail price for red wines - £8.55, compared to the average price paid for all red wines £4.87 • Sales of our wines in the £9 - £10 price point have risen by 26% • Sales of our wines in the £10 and above have risen by 48%
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Chardonnay 548
NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST SELECTION OF CLASSIC VARIETIES & NEW IMPORTS GO TO
www.riversun.co.nz 0800 11 37 47
Preparing for Vintage 2013 TESSA NICHOLSON
Grower concern regarding what yields are likely to be in 2013, are probably well founded. But there are some steps you can take to prepare, well in advance. There is nothing anyone can do about
So what can be done to improve the
window of opportunity for weather to
the weather, or the impact temperatures
situation for 2013?
impact.
at flowering and bud burst will have on the resulting crops. But there are some salient points that growers can bear in mind, as they prepare for the upcoming pruning.
Understanding the Fruiting Cycle Dr Mike Trought from Marlborough Plant & Food Research says it is vital to understand how the fruiting cycle is an 18 month event, with weather occurrences
Background
happening well before vintage playing a
Temperatures during flowering last
major role in potential yields.
The next important period is at bud break, roughly September here in Marlborough. While initiation in the previous December/January determines the inflorescence primordial number, the weather in September determines the number of flowers on the primordial. Warm temperatures at this stage can help
season will have a direct impact on
bud break to occur in synchrony, plus
the proportion of flowers that become
it will also affect the size of the berries
berries and to some extent, (depending
– (likely to be slightly larger with warm
on variety) the size of those berries next
conditions).
year. As we all know, flowering in 2012 was
Predicting Yields Via Temperature
anything but ideal. Cool temperatures
Years of research has shown that yields
affected the fruit set, which in turn led
can be potentially predicted, given the
to lower than average yields throughout
temperatures experienced in the 18
the region. It also has to be remembered
“Initiation happens in December/January
months prior to vintage. Mike says the
though, that 2012 followed hard on the
the year before, but it doesn’t happen in
yield model considers the temperature at
heels of some very large yields, which
a single event,” Mike says. “That process
the initiation period of December/January
were above the long-term average (LTA).
starts about every three to four days as
and extrapolates that out to predict the
After three years of working hard to
you move up the cane. So on day one,
yield 18 months later.
control the amount of fruit and adhering
bud position appears opposite leaf one.
In the case of Marlborough – these are
to yield caps, the recent vintage was
Three days later it starts at leaf two.
the predictions based on the Yield Model.
almost a kick in the teeth for growers
Three days after that it appears at leaf
(It has to be remembered that all these
and wineries. For growers it has meant
three and so on. We believe the initiation
predictions are based on 4 cane pruned
another drop in income as the tonnages
inflorescence primordial takes about two
Sauvignon Blanc, on 3 metre rows, in the
harvested are less than expected. For
weeks, for each individual.”
Wairau Plains. It assumes there has been
wineries it means supply will be limited
So the entire bud initiation over the length
no change in management of the vines,
and after building markets, many may
of a cane can take well over a month
ie; They haven’t changed cane numbers
now be unable fulfil all orders.
to be complete. Which leaves a long
either up or down in previous years.)
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1. If the temperatures at
the same as last year – it
flowering this coming
could potentially lead to a
season are average
yield of 45% below the long-
– yields will be 15%
term average. There are a
below LTA
number of ways of ensuring
2. If temperatures at
a slightly better result that
flowering are the same
can be undertaken manually,
as last year – yields
during the upcoming pruning
could be up to 45%
season.
below LTA
Number of Canes
3. If temperatures
If you have been one of the
at flowering are
many who dropped canes
significantly above
in previous years to control
average – yields could
yields – should you now
be 20% above LTA Many growers will be considering if they should move from 3 canes
Weather Predcitions Given the possible scenarios
back to 4 this year.
mentioned above, has got
increase them again? Research undertaken by Plant & Food Research here in Marlborough has
would tend to be near normal (between
New Zealand Winegrowers asking what
80 and 120 percent of spring normal)
shown that dropping from 4 cane pruned
the likelihood of a repeat of December/
along the coast, but below normal inland.
vines to 2 cane pruned saw a long term
January conditions are. This report was
A “typical” El Niño summer (December
stabilization of yield at approximately 75 –
supplied by NIWA.
- February) would bring more west to
80% of the previous 4 cane pruned.
At the time of writing (mid May 2012),
southwest winds than usual, resulting in
If you now go back to 4 canes – the
conditions in the tropical Pacific
below normal summer rainfall in many
yield could go up to 153% of the 2 cane
are ENSO-neutral (no La Niña or El
eastern areas, including Marlborough
pruned and 20% above that of vines
Niño). Almost all global climate models
and Hawkes Bay. Summer temperatures
consistently pruned to 4 canes.
predict neutral conditions in the tropical
would tend to be near average for
Going from 3 cane pruned to 4 canes
Pacific over early winter (May-July),
Marlborough, but near average or below
could see an increase in yield of more
with about half of them continuing this
average for Hawkes Bay.
than the 25% more bud nodes you have
situation over the subsequent three
But of course, we all know every El
laid down.
months (early spring, August – October).
Niño is slightly different – not all El Niño
Mike says these changes in yield reflect
However, the other half of the models
events result in the “typical” rainfall and
the influence carry over effect of yield
predict the evolution of an El Niño state
temperature patterns expected! NIWA
and shoot size when the pruning system
during the August-October period. If El
considers circulation patterns and other
is changed. For example; going from
Niño were to develop (and this is by no
climate factors (such as the Southern
2 to 4 canes, results in 4 larger canes
means certain at present), a “typical” El
Annular Mode, or SAM, http://www.
being retained than where the vines
Niño spring (September – November)
niwa.co.nz/publications/wa/vol14-no2-
had been 4 cane pruned throughout. So
would bring more southerly winds than
june-2006/the-southern-annular-mode-
laying down one or two extra canes could
usual, and cooler air temperatures, right
and-new-zealand-climate), when issuing
see a significant increase in yield, if the
across New Zealand (including Hawkes
its seasonal climate outlooks.
conditions at flowering are right.
the southerlies would result in below
How Can You Potentially Increase
Diameter of Canes
normal spring rainfall. But for Hawkes
Yields in 2013?
This is a vital aspect if you want to
If we take the worst-case scenario that
increase potential yields next year. The
temperatures at flowering this year are
thicker the diameter of the cane, the more
Bay and Marlborough). For Marlborough,
Bay, the pattern is more complex – rainfall
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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
fruitful it is likely to be.
lowering of yields, when
“You need to get up to 10 mm
compared to manual fruit
diameter of the cane at the
thinning. (These results
third node, to maximize the
come from 4 cane pruned
number of inflorescences per
Sauvignon Blanc in the
shoot,” Mike says. “Anything
Wairau Valley.)
that happens to the vines
• Control vine – 16 kg of fruit
that induces bigger canes
• Lightly thinned – 12.5 kg
will tend to increase the
• Heavily machine thinned
fruitfulness of the shoots in
– 9.5 kg
the following season.”
• Hand thinned – 12 kg
There is good news for
There is no magic formula
growers here, as thicker cane
for how much fruit you can
diameters often follow on from a season of low yields – such as experienced this year.
Temperatures at flowering will ultimately determine next vintage’s yield. and reduce bunch number. Shoot
Assuming that if you lengthen the cane
thinning around the head, early in the
laid down it will increase the number of
season, and exposing the shoots to be
shoots, is not correct.
subsequently as canes, will encourage
“It depends of the variety and the
bud fertility. However, buds require
previous vine management,” says Mike,
leaves proximal to the bud for good
“but laying down more buds does not
initiation. Early leaf removal (plucking),
necessarily increase the number of
before initiation has been completed
shoots spread along the vine. Instead
will reduce the inflorescence primordia
it will increase the variability in shoot
initiation at the buds where leaves have
spread.”
been removed.
buds will shoot first and which ones are the most fruitful. “Buds at the end of the cane tend to be the ones that grow regardless of what happens, then it’s the ones around the head of the vine and the ones in the middle of the cane – which in general are the most fruitful – are the last ones to come away. The longer you leave the canes, the more variably the bud break. It also tends to reduce the overall fruitfulness, as it’s the fruitful buds (in the middle) that don’t grow.”
“We are unlikely to be able to dial up we want to take
Laying Down Longer Canes
There is a hierarchy in terms of which
take off though.
1.27 kgs of fruit off the vine. It is not going to have that level of accuracy. It is more likely to be, I want to take a little or a lot off.” The beauty of the mechanical thinning is it not only manages yields, it also appears to reduce the risk of botrytis. Leaf Plucking is another way of controlling yields. Mike says in trials where a Collard leaf plucker has been put through the vines shortly after fruit set, the reduction in yield has amounted
What If We End Up With Too Much Fruit? This is the other side of the coin for growers. What if the temperatures at flowering are above average and all the work to increase yields backfires and growers are faced with larger than required crops? Once flowering has taken place and fruit set allows yield estimates to be undertaken, there are a number of options open to manipulate large crops. Mechanical thinning is one option that has proven to be highly successful,
Light and Leaves
particularly on Sauvignon Blanc. Using a
Shaded canopies around the head of the
Nairn harvester and more recently other
vine can reduce inflorescence initiation
brands, the research shows significant
to around 15%. “That reduction is in terms of bunch weight, due to the berries being smaller.” Where to From Here No one can predict what the conditions will be like come September at bud break, or at flowering in December/ January. However with careful consideration of all the scenarios, there are a number of options open. As we head into pruning, it is important to consider what the result of your actions now, will be on your yield next year. Good Luck.
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13
World Class Winery Design and Construction. Canadian winemakers have recognised Apollo’s world class expertise in the design and delivery of premium wine processing facilities
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It’s not just our wines that have been recognised internationally… New Zealand’s wine technology has been identified by Canadian wineries as world class for cool climate varietal processing. On the back of Apollo’s local reputation, along with the completion of Poplar Grove and Tantalus wineries in Canada; Apollo has been commissioned by a third Canadian winery for the design and construction NO Winery DETAIL TOO SMALL. NO DREAM TOO BIG. of Monster in Penticton, British Columbia. 14
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www.apolloprojects.co.nz
Scholarship Winner TESSA NICHOLSON
The first UK recipient of the Wine Marlborough, John Avery UK Link scholarship has been chosen. She is 34-year-old Kat Wiggins from Essex. The scholarship, established back in
Lay & Wheeler has not been a part of for
2010, aims at promoting the wines of
some time, but one that is enormously
Marlborough within the UK market.
important to Majestic,” she wrote in her
An annual event, the scholarship will
application. “Lay & Wheeler are, after
alternate between sending a young
a period of conservatism, now seeking
Marlborough wine person to the UK and
new opportunities and horizons, stepping
bringing an UK industry person out to
back into looking at New World wines.
Marlborough.
Certainly there is demand from our clients
In its inaugural year 2011, Marcus
for new producers, great wines and
Pickens from Wine Marlborough was
interesting parcels of wine they have not
the scholarship recipient. This year it
previously been offered.”
has been aimed at the UK, with the
She does however have a fairly good
scholarship being heavily advertised in
understanding of our wines, given her
the trade, resulting in a large number of
work with Majestic.
applicants.
“I work within the Majestic network, a
Kat Wiggins was the one finally chosen
UK multiple for whom New Zealand
as the recipient.
Sauvignon Blanc in particular is of huge
Involved in the wine industry for 10 years,
importance.”
winemaking. She will also spend time
Kat is currently a senior wine advisor for
A panel consisting of John Avery’s
getting to know local producers and their
Lay & Wheeler, one of the company’s
daughter Mimi, David Cox, Helen
wines.
top sales people looking after 250 high
Middleton and David Thompson
The scholarship announcement is a
net-worth individuals, and is responsible
unanimously chose the scholarship
poignant one, given it was strongly
for managing the Majestic and Lay &
winner, after interviewing all the finalists.
supported by the late John Avery MW,
Wheeler Fine Wine Plans.
David Thompson had this to say about
who died suddenly in March, aged 70.
She has recently completed her WSET
Kat.
He felt very strongly about promoting this
exams and is into her first year of
“She is an excellent all round candidate
region on the world stage, to the point
studying for a Masters of Wine.
whom we are sure will enhance all the
that he not only promoted the annual
Despite her longevity in terms of being
objectives we have for the Scholarship
exchange, he also helped fund the
with Lay & Wheeler, Kat has never
and build on the Link’s relationships with
scholarship.
visited any New World producers, and is
the wine trade.”
Nick Nobilo described John in a recent
extremely keen to remedy that later this
Due in Marlborough later this year, Kat
obituary as “A doyen of wine promotion
year.
will spend up to a month here. During
and his contribution in promoting New
“It would also give me the chance to
that time she will experience all facets
Zealand’s wine industry for more than 30
learn about an area of the industry that
of the wine industry, from viticulture to
years is immeasurable.”
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Marcus Wickham 16
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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
Generation Y-ine BY TESSA NICHOLSON
Marcus Wickham Marcus Wickham has packed a fair
through pretty quickly and vineyards
exceptional and second to none. But
amount into his first three decades.
were being knocked over in a couple
even with this knowledge, he still ended
Besides being Marlborough’s first
of years, which was faster than anyone
up in the wine industry. We have a sheep
Young Viticulturist of the Year, he went
expected.”
and cattle farmer in the King Country to
on to become the first national winner
Despite the familiarity with the wine
thank for that.
and finally took out the overall Young
industry, Marcus stuck to earlier ideals
On arriving for work during a holiday
Horticulturist of the year. He has married
of farming, and enrolled at Lincoln
period, Marcus admits he was expecting
his best friend Samantha and together
to undertake a BCom in Agriculture,
to shear sheep, learn to work dogs and
they have had 4 kids. He has developed
majoring in Farm Management. This
fix fences. But very quickly he learnt
vineyards in Marlborough, Canterbury
was the late 90s and farming in New
that wasn’t what made a person a great
and Central Otago, helped with the
Zealand was going through a tough
farmer.
creation of one of the most innovative
patch. Subsidies had been lifted, the
“Andrew Porritt was an amazing
pieces of vineyard machinery in decades
industry had to stand on its own two feet
farmer, very holistic and yet also very
– the Klima - and has just recently
and there were many farmers struggling
commercial. I asked him his advice
received an innovation award at the
to make a go of it. Which is one of the
about what I should do and he advised
world’s largest viticultural expo in France.
reasons Marcus talks so highly of the
me to go away and do something else.
Despite his obvious viticultural pedigree,
course he undertook.
‘Otherwise you will end up being a 50
(son of Ben and Frances Wickham
“In our final years we would go to farmers
or 60 year-old farmer with a sore back,
from Ormond Nurseries) Marcus had
and completely deconstruct their whole
crutching ewes all your life. Learn
no great desire to join the wine industry
business and put it back together again.
another industry so you can bring
ranks. Born in Gisborne and moving to
They were really open with us and would
something back.’ So I took his advice and
Marlborough when he was 16, his first
open their books; show us their accounts,
at that stage there were opportunities in
love has always been sheep and cattle
production levels, everything. We got to
hometown Blenheim, so I decided to do a
farming. One day he says, he would love
see different aspects of various farms. So
post grad in viticulture and winemaking.
to be part of a commercial farm here in
we looked at farms which had amazing
“I realised that business was what I
New Zealand. In the meantime, he has
natural resources but a poor farmer.
wanted to do in the agricultural sector
unfinished business in the wine sector.
Then we looked at farms that didn’t
and if I was going to be serious about
All his early memories of Gisborne,
have any natural resources, like a dry
that I needed some more skills.”
involve cutting up or planting rootstock,
farm in Canterbury without irrigation, but
Completing the post grad course, he
grafting and boxing up. Not just vines but
with an exceptionally good farmer, and
came back to Blenheim and the family
also Kiwi fruit and citrus. The early vines
everything in between. It showed us that
business. Leading into vintage 2002,
were mainly for Montana, as growers
the difference between a good farmer
he worked on the family vineyards
and companies struggled to replant on
and a bad farmer was their management
carrying out all tasks from new plantings
phylloxera resistant rootstock, as the
expertise and whether they wanted to be
to caring for the established vines. A
disease decimated the Gisborne wine
there or not.”
short time later he applied for a job with
industry.
That in-depth insight has convinced
New Zealand Wineries, which were
“I remember Dad saying that it was going
Marcus that New Zealand farmers are
heavily involved in many aspects of the
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17
winemaking business.
need to take it outside of
They now wanted to add
the southern hemisphere, if
vineyards to the company
they wanted it to grow.
and were looking for
“We realised that grape
someone to help establish
growers, no matter where
and manage vineyards in
in the world they are, have
Marlborough, Canterbury
exactly the same problems.
and Central Otago.
Problems like climate,
Getting the job, saw Marcus
drought, frost, hail, and of
take over a total of 305
course staff and regulatory
hectares of green fields –
issues. We wanted to form
(100 in Marlborough, 150 in
a company with the goal
North Canterbury and 65 in
of making grape grower’s
Central Otago), all having to
businesses easier and
to be established.
more profitable by creating,
“It was pretty exciting –
developing or unearthing The Klima in action.
but also very stressful. I
innovative products that
obviously made mistakes,
help them do more with
but I learnt lots as well.
way of way of making pruning more cost
But the commercial part of the Farm
effective. Over a few wines, ideas began
the global market is very European-
Management degree really helped me.”
to flow and before they knew it, they
centric. For example in New Zealand and
One of the lessons learnt was the
had come up with the idea of creating
Australia there are 180,000 hectares of
importance of managing staff.
a machine that would lift the fruiting
vines combined. In France alone there is
“That was a huge learning curve for me.
wires, then pull all uncut vines upwards,
1 million. Italy and Spain are also a million
You learn pretty quickly that the big stick
passing them through a mulcher. If it
hectares.”
theory doesn’t work with people, they
could be developed, it would be efficient
In order to get their machine out there
don’t respond to that. I also learned that
and cost effective.
into the larger wine growing countries,
the team is the most important piece of
With the help of Gary and Arnold Love
Marcus and Nigel required a partnership
the whole puzzle. As long as you have a
(Eagle Engineering in Waipara) the first
with a European viticultural machinery
really good team and the communication
Klima was born. The name is highly
company. After 12 months of research,
and the vision is right, then the rest of it
symbolic – being Greek for vine.
they formed that partnership with ERO
may not just happen by itself, but it will
It was a revolutionary idea and one
Weinbau.
work.”
that saw Marcus and Nigel dedicating
“What they have done, is adapt the
When he started he was the sole
themselves to perfecting the technology.
machinery to suit conditions in Europe,
worker, but within six years he had
The first trials were undertaken in 2008
where they have much smaller vines,
four managers, 25 permanents and
on the Mudhouse vines in Waipara.
smaller vineyards and smaller tractors .
then casuals working under him. Staff
2009 saw the first commercial trials on
The core function is the same though.”
numbers fluctuated, with the pruning
vineyards in Marlborough and by 2010
The success of the Klima, (known in
season being the busiest time of the
the first commercial machine was sold.
Europe as Viteco), was immediately
year. Marcus quickly recognised that the
Since then Marcus and partners have
recognised by professors from all major
sheer logistics of getting staff qualified
gone into partnership with ERO Weinbau
universities. “Scientists over there are
to undertake the most important task of
– Germany’s leading manufacturer of
very commercial in terms of viticulture.
the vineyard’s cycle, was a headache in
vineyard machinery, to develop the Klima
So if they say that this is the way of the
more ways than one. He and co-worker
for the European market. Despite the
future, then growers actually listen.”
Nigel George figured there had to be a
success in New Zealand, Marcus saw a
ERO was keen to take it to the wider
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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
less. And we realised that
industry, and included the Cane Pruner
it takes to convince individuals of the
box of crimps plus wire strainers with it.
in their stand at two of the world’s largest
worthiness of new technology.
So another Kiwi company is benefiting
vitiucltural expo’s, SIMEI Enovitis in
“That is a lot of the work that we are
from our activity.”
Italy, last October and Sitevei held in
involved in now – convincing people that
And now there are other innovative ideas
Montpellier, France. The Klima, ended up
it will work.”
in the pipeline – ideas that Marcus says
taking the gold medal for innovation in
Another innovative aspect of the Klima
fit into the companies strategic objective
both shows, a first for any New Zealand
being sold in Europe, is ERO include New
of developing, creating and unearthing
or German company. For Marcus, it was
Zealand made Strainrite wire strainers
products that help grape growers all over
an unbelievable experience.
and crimping tools. While these tools are
the globe do more with less.
“The Sitevi Expo in Montpellier was held
standard inclusions on every vineyard or
Given all this success – and his success
in 15 massive halls, (each the size of
farm in New Zealand they are a novelty in
as New Zealand’s top young viticulturist
Marlborough Lines Stadium) and more
Europe according to Marcus.
and horticulturist, you could be forgiven
than 100,000 people visited during
“We always use and recommend to
for thinking Marcus was thinking only
the event. Just seeing our machine on
our customers Strainrite crimps for wire
viticulture for the future. But you would be
display alongside all the big names in
joining when using our machines. We
wrong. He still harbours a love of sheep
the industry, like Gregoire, John Deere,
just thought it was a standard piece of
and cattle. He still longs to be part of
Pellenc and New Holland was special.
equipment used everywhere. But getting
some commercially run farm somewhere
There was just a constant stream of
some rows prepared at Geisenheim
in New Zealand. But he’s prepared to wait
people walking past, so it was pretty
University, some of the professors were
a while longer – he has some other goals
cool.”
asking about “this contraption.’ When we
to achieve first.
The end result has been a flurry of orders
explained they were just wire strainers,
For that the wine industry can be very
from Italy, Germany, France and Austria.
they were amazed. Then when we joined
grateful.
Next year ERO will launch the machine
the wires with the crimping tool they said
into Russia the US and Chile.
that was even more amazing and wanted
The wins are an outstanding achievement
to know where we got them from. So
and have helped in some way to
now every machine we sell has a New
minimise the inevitable time frame that
Zealand made Strainrite crimping tool,
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19
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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
Marlborough Wines on The World TESSA NICHOLSON
It is the largest privately owned yacht in the world, has 165 luxury apartments and a wine cellar of 12,000 bottles. Recently The World added Bird Wines Marlborough to that impressive line up. As part of the recent visit to New
entertainment officer,
Zealand, the locals on board The World
pre recorded quite a
were asked to put forward potential
significant pre amble
activity options. A former employer of
about the winery, the
Steve Bird, suggested that a wine tasting
vineyards, and the wines.
conducted by Steve would be ideal. The
So when the people
staff agreed and Bird Wines was one of
turned up (for the tasting)
only two New Zealand wine companies
they knew about the
to be given the honour, (the other was
wines, the brand and the
Craggy Range). Given all the hype about
history behind it.”
this floating luxury apartment, it wasn’t an
Which meant when Steve
honour he was going to turn down. And
got to his presentation,
the ship more than lived up to the hype.
he could be a lot more
“It is spectacular, it really is. The boat
informal.
is very well appointed, the food is
“I did a spiel about the company history,
outstanding, the atmosphere is very
about Marlborough as a region, the styles
relaxed. It is just a unique experience.”
and our markets, then left it open for
Steve had a choice of how he presented
general conversation and question time.”
the wine tasting, and chose not to travel
While the entire tasting was scheduled for
the formal route with a wine dinner,
90 minutes, Steve says the question time
instead preferring to conduct it in the
alone took that long.
Tapas Bar.
“Some of the people on the boat actually
“We could then have a winder range of
own vineyards and they wanted in depth
food tasting platters to go with the wines,
analysis of row spacing, vine spacing,
which served our needs better.”
soil, canopy management. It became
In terms of promoting the tasting to the
more than just a wine tasting. They
residents, Steve’s wines were featured on
wanted to know a lot of stuff, in minute
a short television programme, that ran on
detail.”
the ship’s own channel in the lead up.
One of the criteria for being involved in
“The head sommelier and the
a tasting on the ship, was Steve had to
be able to provide wines for the massive cellar. “They were after wines not available commercially, so we drew off our library stock. They took a fair chunk of some of those wines, but I am glad we did it.” The Bird wines now included among the 600 labels on board are; Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Pinot Gris 2011, Riesling 2010, Gewürztraminer 2008 and Big Barrel Pinot Noir 2009, all from Marlborough. With a foot in the door, he says it is now up to him to ensure the relationship continues in the future. “Should they wish to continue stocking our wines, then that will be great. But it’s up to us to capitalise on that.”
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21
MARLBOROUGH SILVER SECATEURS PRUNING COMPETITION 2012 FRI 22 JUNE 2012, FROM 9AM GROVETOWN VINEYARD, GROVE RD
Enter Marlborough’s largest Pruning Competition and be in to win over $1000 in cash & vineyard equipment prizes. Visit the Wine Marlborough Jobs office and Fruitfed Supplies on Wynen St for entry forms or email claire@wine-marlborough.co.nz for queries.
Entries are limited
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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
Upcoming Competitions This month will see pruners slogging it out against each other with the Marlborough Silver Secateurs, while next month it will be the viticulturists turn in the Markham’s Young Viticulturist of the year. Both competitions are a way to
winner agrees. He says taking part gave
If you are keen, and we hope you are,
acknowledge two important sectors of
him the confidence to think beyond his
you can pick up an entry form from Wine
the wine industry’s community - those that
own perceived abilities.
Marlborough’s office, or email Sarah
take on the task of pruning and those that
“I gained the confidence to do things way
Booker at; sarah@wine-marlborough.
manage the vines throughout the year.
outside my comfort zone. And it exposed
co.nz
In terms of the Markham’s Young
me to people I wouldn’t usually have
The Marlborough Markham’s Young
Viticulturist, Marlborough has an
had the opportunity to meet. You can’t
Viticulturist of the Year will be held at the
abundance of people eligible to enter.
go through something like that without
Research Centre on Friday July 20, with a
The only criteria are; you have to be
learning something about yourself and
formal dinner that night at Wither Hills.
under the age of 30 at the end of this
about the industry.”
year, you must be working full time in the
Both men agree that fear is often the
industry and have done so for the last
major reason people don’t enter. Fear
two years.
of looking foolish, plus fear of criticism.
Which opens the competition to dozens
Instead, they say, the gains far outweigh
of people. Unfortunately though, dozens
all of those fears.
of people don’t enter, which according to
Some of those gains include; the shared
previous contestants is a great shame.
skill base with other like minded people,
Simon Bishell, a three time contestant
gaining knowledge of strengths and
and 2008 winner, says the competition is
weaknesses, the opportunity to meet and
a great way to extend your knowledge.
talk with some of the most experienced
“Often in this job, we know what our
viticulturists in Marlborough, and the
strengths are, because those are
chance to win some magnificent prizes.
the things we love doing. But it’s not
Marlborough’s winner will go on to
until you enter a competition like the
represent the province at the national
Young Viticulturist that you are faced
competition, being held here in
with everything that encompasses the
Marlborough at the upcoming Romeo
growing of grapes. It wasn’t until the first
Bragato conference. The winner of that
time that I realised what areas I was really
will then represent the wine industry at
poor at.”
the Young Horticulturist of the Year in
Marcus Wickham, Marlborough’s first
November.
Silver Secateurs 2012 While there is no national competition this year, Wine Marlborough will still hold the local event. It will take place at Yealand’s Vineyard in Grovetown, on June 22, as part of a viticultural field day. With displays, and demonstrations taking place throughout the day, the Silver Secateurs is for more than just those competing. A food tent will be on site, and a wide range of spot prizes will be up for grabs. The major categories are Novice pruning and tying, Open tying and pruning, plus the glamour teams event. Entries close on June 13, and forms can be picked up from the offices of Wine Marlborough.
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23
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Business Solutions CHRIS ELPHICK
Couples working together Going into business with your spouse or partner may sound like a good idea – you know each other well, you care deeply for one another and you already have a shared sense of purpose. But while many couples do work successfully together, it can also be a recipe for disaster. Before you decide to go into business with your spouse or partner, think carefully about whether it’s really right for you. How well do you work together in other situations? Could you spend long periods of time with each other? Do you have complementary skills? Have clear roles and responsibilities It’s important to make sure that each of you has clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Sit down and make a list of all the tasks that need to be done, and assign them according to who is most suited to doing them. Then put it in writing so you have a record you can refer to if you find your roles starting to blur. Among the other things you need to consider are: • The hours you will work • How much you will pay yourselves • Who has the authority to deal with money • Who will be responsible for the day-today financial records and bookkeeping • You also need to have clear rules around domestic tasks. Who will do the grocery shopping? How often will each of you cook dinner? How will you divide
your childcare responsibilities? Separate home and work When you live and work together it’s easy to spend all your time talking about work. If you want your relationship to survive, you need to keep your work life and your home life separate. Schedule meetings during the working day, rather than holding impromptu meetings over dinner. It can also be helpful to agree that you will stop talking about work after a certain time in the evening. And make sure you set time aside for doing non-work activities together, such as going out for dinner or to a movie. If you work from home, have a separate office for your business (if you have the space). At the very least, have a separate phone line. Respect one another Respect is a vital part of the workplace, but it’s easy for couples who work together to start treating each other in disrespectful ways. As the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. It’s important to treat your partner with the same respect you would a workmate. Be courteous and thoughtful, use “please” and “thank you” and never fight in public – particularly in front of your customers or staff. It’s also important to respect your partner’s skills. Thank them for a job well done and try not to see what you do as being more important than what they do; the success of your business depends
on your combined strengths. In the hospitality industry, for example, cleaning the restaurant or bar is just as important as greeting the guests. Have separate working spaces If at all possible, try to have separate offices. If that’s not possible, look at setting up your office so that you each have a clearly defined working space. If you work from home, get out of the house sometimes – on your own. Take your laptop to the local café, or to the library, and work there, or go for a walk while you make calls on your mobile phone. Spend time apart One of the secrets of working successfully together as a couple is to spend time apart. In order to maintain your individuality you need to spend time doing things on your own – or with other people. Have different hobbies, take short breaks away or separate holidays. Go to the gym or for a run at lunchtime. Schedule lunch dates or regular evening catch-ups with friends, so that you get the chance to talk to other people. Chris Elphick is a Wellington-based business mentor, coach and trainer working throughout New Zealand and the Pacific with a range of business enterprises. For more business tips and information visit: www.chriselphick.co.nz
The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
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Lex Thomson B.Vit & Oen. is available to assist the winegrower. Viticulture services now include: • A training program for pruning staff. A qualified and experienced tutor will come to your vineyard and teach the fundamentals of correct pruning. Quality pruning produces balanced vines that increase yield and fruit quality. • Help with S.W.N.Z scorecards and audits Visit www.vitpractice.co.nz for details about our full range of viticulture services. Ph: 021 230 2348 Email: lexthomson@vitpractice.co.nz
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The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
Wine Happenings A monthly list of events within the Marlborough wine industry. To have your event included in next month’s calendar please email details to tessa.nicholson@me.com JUNE 13
Marlborough Wine Research Centre and Plant & Food Seminar – 4pm – 5.30pm – Research Centre Theatre
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NZW South Island Grape Days – Marlborough Convention Centre, Blenheim
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Marlborough Silver Secateurs Competition – Yealand’s Estate Grovetown, start 9am
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Marlborough Winegrowers Board Meeting
JULY 11
Marlborough Wine Research Centre and Plant & Food Seminar – 4pm – 5.30pm – Research Centre Theatre
20
Marlborough Markham’s Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition
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Marlborough Winegrowers Board Meeting
AUGUST 22 - 24
Romeo Bragato Conference – Blenheim – details at www.bragato.org.nz
22
National Markham’s Young Viticulturist Competition final - Blenheim
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Marlborough Winegrowers Board Meeting
SEPTEMBER 4 – 6
Spiegelau International Wine Competition judging – Blenheim
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Marlborough Winegrowers Board Meeting
OCTOBER 15 – 17
Marlborough Wine Show judging – Blenheim
NOVEMBER 24
Air New Zealand Wine Awards Dinner - Wellington
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News From Home and Away Confirmed Sale After nearly two years on the market, the former Cape Campbell Cable Station Road vineyard has been sold, to Mission Estate. The 100 ha, is planted mainly in Sauvignon Blanc with some Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Popular growers Murray and Daphne Brown will continue to manage the vineyard on behalf of Mission. It’s great news for the Marlborough region in terms of confidence in the wines coming from here, according to Stuart Smith. “As far as I’m aware, it’s the first time the winery [Mission Estate] has bought outside its region. Out of the rest of the country, they chose to buy here, and that’s a huge positive for Marlborough as the country’s primary winegrowing region,” he told the Marlborough Express. Plant & Food Seminars Researchers at Marlborough’s Plant & Food are planning a number of seminars on winegrowing and viticulture, over the next few months. The next seminar will be held on June 13, focusing on Designer Grapevines. Marc Grevan, Damian Martin and Jeff Bennett will present information; on cane numbers and their influence on Sauvignon Blanc, effects of temperature and yield on Sauvignon phenology, Pinot Noir inflorescence and bunch position influences and Pinot Noir bunch variation and the effect of shoulders. On July 11 a further seminar on Botrytis Support Models and Risk Assessment tools will be held. All the seminars are free of charge and will be held at the Marlborough Research Centre Theatre, 4 – 5.30.
Accolades 2012 Ultimate Wine Challenge New York – Framingham Sauvignon Blanc 2011 won the Sauvignon Blanc Chairman’s Trophy Decanter Wine Awards 92 per cent of all New Zealand wines entered into the Decanter Wine Awards 2012 were awarded a medal – making this country the most successful of any taking part. In terms of Marlborough there were eight gold medals awarded. 900 Grapes Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Esk Valley Pinot Noir 2010, Marisco Vineyards A Sticky End Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Saint Clair Pioneer Block Sauvignon Blanc Snap Block 18 2011, Shingle Peak Reserve Release Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Stanley Estates Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Sunday Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2010. International Wine Challenge Gold Medal Winners Lawson’s Dry Hills Pinot Noir 2010, Nautilus Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2010, Saint Clair Pioneer Block 14 Doctor’s Creek Pinot Noir 2010, Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2011, Esk Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2010, Vidal Reserve Series Sauvignon Blanc 2011, The Kings Favour Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Huia Chardonnay 2008, Tarras Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Shingle Peak Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marks & Spencer Single Block Series Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Yealands Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009. Sommelier Wine Awards Best New World Producer – Saint Clair
Family Estate New World Gewuztraminer – Lawson’s Dry Hills The Pioneer, 2010 New World Pinot Gris – Yealands Estate 2010 New World Pinot Noir – Delta Hatters Hill 2009 New World Sauvignon Blanc – Saint Clair Wairau Reserve 2011 Gold Medals to; Esk Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Saint Clair Awatere Valley Reserve Noble Riesling 2009, Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Craggy Range Avery Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2011. By The Glass Winner New World Pinot Gris – Yealands Estate 2010 Discussed Bid Bill Foley, an American billionaire looks set to make a bid to buy The New Zealand Wine Company, based in Marlborough. With well-known labels like Grove Mill, Sanctuary and Frog Haven, the New Zealand Wine Company has been looking at capital restructuring and reducing bank debt. Foley already owns a number of wineries in New Zealand, including Clifford Bay and Vavasour here in Marlborough, Te Kairanga in Wairarapa and Goldwater Estate in Waiheke. He will however need to gain the approval of the shareholders as well as Overseas Investment Office and NZX Takeovers Panel consent. It is unlikely that will take place before the end of this month.
QUALITY Marlborough Pinot Noir and Riesling fruit wanted for 2013 vintage and onwards. Please email: marlbwine@hotmail.co.nz
Disclaimer: The views and articles that are expressed and appear in Winepress are those entirely those of contributors and in no way reflect the policy of the Marlborough Winegrowers. 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 information.
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6/2012 WINEPRESS
The Official Magazine of Wine Marlborough
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SCALE AND LOCATION
Marlborough
Hillocks Road, Rapaura • 31.235ha (77.18 acres) • Located in the desirable Rapaura region, renowned for low frost risk and reliable yields of quality fruit • 22ha planted Sauvignon Blanc with no current fruit supply contract in place • 2.7m rows x 1.8m plant spacings • 3 bedroom 1900’s villa, major renovations in 2002 included repiling, replumbing, rewiring, approx. 1.5ha of grazable paddocks • Several sheds and outbuildings including 12m x 9m Totalspan shed with office, smoko room and toilet/shower, a chemical shed and wash-down area • An aesthetic wetland in the centre of the vineyard is planted with several natives, pitosporums and specimen trees with native birdlife in residence
Deadline Sale 4pm, Wed 4 Jul 2012
VINING REALTY GROUP LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Bayleys, Cnr Charles & Seymour Street, Blenheim (Unless sold prior) www.bayleys.co.nz/112344
Andy Poswillo
M 027 420 4202 B 03 578 7700
andy.poswillo@bayleys.co.nz