THE WINE industry is seeing the first signs of renewed interest in new vineyard development, showing there is new optimism in the industry, says New Zealand Winegrowers chairman Steven Green.

As we look to the future, there are a number of environmental issues becoming increasingly apparent in New Zealand and overseas.

Ihave been asked to be clairvoyant, and write about viticulture in 40 year’s time. This is to write about uncertainty, but I hope my ideas might include some intelligent guesswork. One thing is for sure, that no-one will wave this article in front of me in 40 years time, and tell me that I am right, or wrong!

What a fabulous time to come on board Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Inc. with not only a vintage to remember, but with an organization and community that wants change.  The last five months have been one of observation, learning and doing as only a sole employee can.  

Wine growers have welcomed the economic cooperation agreement signed this week between New Zealand and Taiwan, giving New Zealand wine tariff-free access to the Taiwan market as soon as it comes into force next year.

The future of New Zealand's horticulture industry could rest with finalists in the 2013 Young Horticulturist of the Year contest.

Go back several hundred years and you would have seen Waipara’s rolling hills and valley floor clad in totara, lacebark, kowhai, lancewood and broadleaf forest.

Speak to any New Zealand winemaker of Pinot Noir – past, present or up-and-coming – and they’ve undoubtedly spent time or worked a vintage in Oregon.

Vintage 2012 was certainly a lot lighter than many people would have hoped for, yet it was still the fourth largest in New Zealand’s history.

With New Zealand Wine exports now valued at just under $1.2 billion and representing around 75% of industry sales, international trade is now the life blood of our wine industry.