NZW sets 2025–26 wine and grape levy rates
On 18 June 2025, the New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Board set the following levy rates for the year 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) coordinator Amanda McRae says it was always the plan to incorporate the broader Marlborough wine offering, "but we wanted to start AMW with our region's flagship varietal and get all the right protocols in place." Just a few years in and it's clear that AMW provides value, she says, noting that several members have commenced the process of certifying their 2021 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
In another change this year, each submitted Sauvignon Blanc will be tasted blind by an independent panel to authenticate the wine as a true representation of the region. "Appellation Marlborough is a pioneering and evolving organisation," says Ivan Sutherland, AMW Chair and co-founder of Dog Point Vineyards. "These recent refinements strengthen our quality standards and add further credibility to the original values of our appellation."
Appellation Marlborugh Wine was introduced in 2018 to protect 'Brand Marlborough' by establishing standards and criteria that provide reassurance to the consumer and enhance the credibility of members' wines.
