Our Sauvignon Blanc flag is flying high as we sail boldly into 2014. There’s no denying our single minded focus has held us in good stead and we’ve continued to outpace others across the world, but as we round the midway mark in this season’s race, there’s noticeable nervousness in some quarters as to what may lay ahead if we continue to follow the same course. As well as continuing concerns about New Zealand being a one-trick pony there’s anxiety about the potential size of the 2014 harvest, especially after Marlborough increased production last year by a huge 33 percent which resulted in a 28 percent increase nationally. The coming year also presents some challenges with an ever-increasing anti-alcohol lobby and unfavourable exchange rates with key export markets.
This month Misha talks to some key people in the New Zealand wine industry, including Steve Smith MW (Craggy Range), Neal Ibbotson (Saint Clair), Philip Gregan (NZ Winegrowers) and Bob Campbell MW (Wine Writer), to find out what’s on their minds and what they’re wishing for in the coming year.
To read the full article download the PDF version below.
Wish Across the Ditch!- Download PDF
Misha’s feature “Across the ditch” with stories of interest to the New Zealand wine industry are published in Wine Business Magazine each month.
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