Nelson Wines reaching new heights
The Nelson Wine Growers Association represents grape growers and wine producers in the Nelson Tasman region and promotes its wines through its marketing group, Wine Nelson.
Its Chairman Paul Miles explains:
“It’s no secret that Nelson produces stunning wines and is actually New Zealand’s fourth largest grape growing region. We support grape growing and winemaking, as well as the marketing of Nelson wines to make more people aware of our region’s magnificent product.”
Nelson is now home to some 30 wineries, most of which are small, boutique operations producing premium wines. Surrounded on three sides by mountains, it enjoys a unique climate which is perfect for producing outstanding Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and aromatics, as well as an impressive mix of other established and emerging varieties. Many wines produced here are considered to be among the best in the country.
“Nelsonians” already know that the region is one of New Zealand’s best kept wine secrets and Wine Nelson has started a “buy local campaign” as an initiative to make Nelson wines easier to find and to encourage more people to try these locally grown premium wines. A distinctive “Taste Nelson Wines” sticker has been added to the bottles of local wines to make them stand out on the shelves of local outlets.
The roll out of the sticker initiative is being supported by an online advertising campaign and features in local publications and the Nelson Tasman Wine Guide.
“Local outlets have got right behind the campaign, and we’ll be supporting them with in store material along with usual in store promotions and tastings,” Paul says.
The sticker was launched at the Nelson public tasting event at the Boat House in November which showcased 122 wines from recent outstanding seasons.
“We did a test run of a sticker about a month ago and it worked really well, with great public feedback and sales on average are definitely up on last year.”
Paul Miles says Wine Nelson will also look to expand its annual wine tasting event this year, due its sell-out popularity. They are also planning to host an event “Wine to Dine for” which encourages Nelson restaurants to pair their food with Nelson wines and is destined to become a popular local initiative.
The Nelson Tasman have received widespread recognition for their award-winning wines. Long renowned for its bountiful crops and orchards, Nelson’s 150 plus year-long legacy of winemaking provides the foundation to make the most of what nature gives each year Pioneering 1970s producers established the modern wine industry – with iconic names such as Seifried and Neudorf still going strong.
Nelson has a vibrant and artistic café culture, with many wineries offering both draw-cards at their cellar doors. Nelson Chardonnay is considered to be among the best in all of New Zealand, with fresh acidity and not too long barrel aging, produced in a Burgundian style. The Nelson Tasman region benefits from many hours of sunshine, a sheltered, cooling coastal climate and free-draining soils, spread across three sub-regions: Waimea Plains, Moutere Hills and Tasman Coastal. These sub-regions have not only their own unique growing conditions, but also their own unique characters for their vineyards, restaurants, accommodation, and wine tours. With similar sunshine hours to Italy’s famous Tuscany wine area, imposing mountain ranges and
spectacular beaches, Nelson Tasman is a visitors’ paradise. Add in a National Park or two and many cellar doors all on the doorstep, and you have the perfect place for locals and visitors to enjoy the wines and the scenery.
Paul says:
“We’re really looking forward to doing more with our local community, especially as more and more wine drinkers know they don’t have to move from their own doorstep to taste a fantastic range of styles and types of wine.”
We all have our favourites when it comes to wine, and if yours include a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp Pinot Gris or dark plum Pinot Noir, you’re certainly not alone. Next time you want to buy a good wine, keep an eye out for the green “Taste Nelson Wines” sticker and explore our region’s stunning variety.
For more information see: https://www.tastenelsonwines.nz
If you would like further information about the Nelson Winegrowers Association Inc. see: https://www.tastenelsonwines.nz/nelson-wine-growers-association
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