News Release
September 20, 2007

Endless summer from 2007 wines

Get ready for a brilliant summer: One of New Zealand’s main wine producers says 2007 is one of the best vintages the country has ever produced.

Chief winemaker at Drylands Winery in Marlborough, Darryl Woolley, says a combination of ideal growing conditions and no rain during the 2007 harvest means the fruit came to wineries in perfect condition.

“It’s a great vintage for all of New Zealand – from Gisborne to Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay, the quality is going to be fantastic,” he says.

Already some of the 2007 Sauvignons are on shop shelves. Other wine varieties will be available in two or three months, with reds around 18 months away.

“Kiwi wine drinkers will be spoilt for choice,” Woolley says. “There’ll be some absolutely brilliant wines at BBQs this summer, and it’s fair to say New Zealand wines from 2007 will be scooping awards for many years to come.”

Internationally, this vintage also looks set to increase New Zealand’s reputation as a top wine producer. It’s not just the Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs that will attract world-wide attention, but all the aromatics, Woolley says.

“If people think the Sauvignons and Pinot Noirs are good, they’ll be blown away by the Pinot Gris, Merlots and Rieslings. My prediction is the 2007 vintage will greatly enhance this country’s wine making reputation.”

ENDS