It all began with the Sauvignon Blanc Celebration at the end of January, followed quickly by a vintage that many are calling one of the greats. Yes, the yields were lower than what was expected, but we all know that good things come in small packages – and so it was with the quality of vintage 19.
There was the Organic and Biodynamic Conference that was a sell-out, with visitors coming from all over Australasia and even further to take part. A few months later Bragato in Hawke’s Bay reiterated how NZW members love to learn, with hundreds turning up to hear about the challenges that face the industry in the future.
A few months later the industry celebrated 200 years since the very first grapes were planted in our country, with a moving ceremony in Kerikeri.
Along the way we have celebrated the future of the industry, with winning Young Viticulturist Simon Gourley and Young Winemaker Emily Gaspard-Clark.
Finally, the wines that we all strive to produce were feted through the New Zealand Wine of the YearTM.
All in all, it has been quite a year, and it will be nice to take a breather over the coming festive season – hopefully.
The end of 2019 is also the end of my tenure as editor of NZ Winegrower magazine. After nine years at the helm, it is time to hand the mantle over to Sophie Preece from Marlborough.
It is not a complete exit, as I will continue to write for the magazine in the future.
But in the meantime, I leave you with a quote I read recently which I think sums up this wonderful industry we work in, (with a little add on from me).
“(New Zealand) wine is one of the most civilised things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection. It offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than possibly any other purely sensory thing.”
I will drink to that Ernest Hemmingway.
