In the spirit of collaboration and education, Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW) ‘Next Gens’ will be immersing themselves in New Zealand’s wine culture over a 3 day tour with the Family of Twelve. From the 13th-16th of October, 17 of AFFW’s ‘Next Gens’ will be travelling through the land of the long white cloud, tasting and tweeting about their various experiences.
Kicking off with a consumer tasting event at Glengarry Wines in Auckland on the evening of Thursday 13th October, the ‘Next Gens’ will be sharing tasting tables with members of the Family of Twelve, to taste and talk about the variations of flavours and styles that come from the varying terroirs across the Tasman. There is likely to be some lively banter!
Friday 14th will be spent exploring the wine regions of Auckland as Family of Twelve members Kumeu River and Villa Maria host the ‘Next Gens’ for a number of structured wine tastings that will include a premium Chardonnay masterclass with Michael Brajkovich MW, subjects also to be covered in their time in Auckland include succession planning and “Women in Wine.” Saturday and Sunday the group tour continues as the ‘Next Gens’ travel across to the Marlborough wine regions, visiting Fromm Winery, Nautilus Estate and Lawson’s Dry Hills.
After visiting each other’s Australian wineries over the past four years, it was time for the ‘Next Gens’ to look further afield for their next educational trip. Given the shared values of both AFFW and the Family of Twelve, to promote premium wine on the world stage and at home, a visit to New Zealand and the Family of Twelve seemed like an obvious choice.
AFFW Chairman, Robert Hill-Smith supports the educational trip for the AFFW ‘Next Gens’ stating that “the choice to expand out across the Tasman to further increase their wine knowledge and exposure to the various terroir and varietals of New Zealand is a fantastic opportunity for AFFW’s ‘Next Gen’. Ably led by the Next Gen Chairman, Scott McWilliam, I am certain that the group will return having formed strong relationships and a greater knowledge of New Zealand’s special wines.”
Family of Twelve Chairman, William Hoare agrees. “The opportunity to engage with AFFW’s ‘Next Gens’, will provide all of us with a great opportunity to share information, knowledge and stories. I imagine by the time the tour is over, AFFW ‘Next Gens’ will have formed some long lasting bonds with the Family of Twelve that they will take into the future.”
Australia’s First Families of Wine are:
Brown Brothers, Campbells, d’Arenberg, De Bortoli, Henschke Wines, Howard Park, Jim Barry Wines, McWilliams, Tahbilk, Taylors, Tyrrells and Yalumba. 10 of the 12 brands will be represented through the New Zealand tour.
AFFW came together as an extended family in 2009, to tell the tales and stories behind their family businesses, both here and around the world. Self-funded, the group has driven the messages of quality and provenance of premium Australian wine, sharing stories and anecdotes as custodians of some of the most iconic vineyards Australia boasts. With wines made with a true sense of place and with a genuine history full of passion, innovation and provenance, AFFW is well placed to claim ownership of the ‘family’ mantle.
Head to www.affw.com.au for more information.
The Family of Twelve are:
Ata Rangi, Craggy Range, Felton Road, Fromm Winery, Kumeu River, Lawson’s Dry Hills, Milton Vineyards, Nautilus Estate, Palliser Estate, Neudorf, Pegasus Bay and Villa Maria.
The Family of Twelve is a fraternity of twelve of New Zealand’s most prestigious and enduring artisanal wineries. Founded in 2005, the Family’s vision is to nurture long term relationships with an emphasis on education in their key export markets. The promotion of New Zealand wine at its best is paramount.
Head to www.familyoftwelve.co.nz for more information.
For interviews, comments or images please contact:
Kathy Lane, FireWorks PR, Promotions & Events, Melbourne, Australia
Email: media@fireworkspr.com.au
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