Wine news is pouring in thick and fast in Aotearoa New Zealand and this month's sees the retirement of Rockburn Wines founding director, Dick Bunton ONZM, who has sold his stake in the company to the remaining founding directors, Chris James and Paul Halford.

Rockburn's founder (one of them) retires

Bunton's journey into viticulture began in 1991 with the establishment of a small hobby vineyard at Lake Hayes near Arrowtown. The first vintage released under the Hayes Lake brand in 1998 grew the seeds that became Rockburn Wines and, in 2002, the Rockburn was founded; the name being a reflection of the region's dramatic, defining terroir and landscape. Bunton now lives in Dunedin with his wife Lynley and works as the Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Dunedin Hospital, a position he has held since 1995. He also served as Dunedin’s chief medical officer from 2004 to 2012 and was the medical director of patient services from 2012 to 2017. He was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in the 2024 New Year's Honours from King Charles III for his services to cardiothoracic surgery. Rockburn Wines will rename its original Gibbston Back Road Vineyard to the Dick Bunton Vineyard, a nine-hectare block planted with Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, in his honour. 

The remaining founders at Rockburn have expressed their gratitude for Bunton’s dedication and vision, which were instrumental in shaping Rockburn Wines into the brand it is today.

Pictured in this story: the three founders of Rockburn Wines of Central Otago

Young viticulturist and winemaker of the year named

Nina Downer and Georgia Mehlhopt were awarded last night as the 2024 NZ Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker of the Year. 

The awards were announced at the Altogether Unique 2024 wine industry celebration at Te Papa in Te Whanganui a Tara, Wellington on Thursday 29 August.

Downer works at Felton Road in Central Otago and is the 2024 Young Viticulturist of the Year while Georgia Mehlhopt works at Greystone Wines in North Canterbury and is the 2024 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year.

Katie Cameron was awarded second place in the Young Winemaker of the Year final and works at Ata Rangi wines in Martinborough.

Government gives certainty for 2025 seasonal wine workforce
 
A new Special Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) for seasonal workers was announced this month by the government, which recognises the importance of international workers filling short term seasonal roles, says Philip Gregan, Chief Executive Officer of New Zealand Winegrowers.

“Each year our wineries need to lift the capacity of their workforce for a short period of time during harvest. Our first priority is to employ New Zealanders but there is always a gap which we need to fill from offshore. Without these international staff we would not be able to manage the intake of all the grapes from more than 42,000 hectares of vineyards across New Zealand."

Wineries need extra staff every year to work as cellar hands to supplement permanent winemaking teams. These workers are needed for both harvest and vintage, which lasts anywhere from six to 12 weeks between February and May.

Carrick changes distributor

Carrick Winery in Bannockburn, Central Otago has announced a significant change in its distribution strategy for the New Zealand market. After nearly 25 years in partnership, Carrick Winery will part ways with Eurovintage (formerly known as Eurowine) on 1 November 2024.

“Eurovintage has been a cornerstone in the growth and success of Carrick Winery for a quarter of a century. Their service and dedication have been commendable and has been instrumental in bringing our wines to the New Zealand market” says Cli􏰀 Wickman, General Manager of Carrick.

“The decision to undertake a distribution reset has not been taken lightly. Considering the current financial climate and evolving market conditions, Carrick Winery has identified the need to adapt its distribution strategy to better align with its future goals and ensure continued growth and sustainability. We will take a more direct route to market using the logistics network, Bidfood, to deliver our wine to our trade customers.”