Sustainable entries up for Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2013

Sustainable entries up for Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2013

Entries are now in for this year’s Air New Zealand Wine Awards with 96 per cent of entries sustainably accredited.

This year's competition saw 1,389 wines entered into 16 different classes. Sauvignon Blanc is the most popular variety with 284 entries followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with 278 entries and 162 entries respectively.

Sustainable wines are produced from grapes that have been accredited or certified through an independently audited sustainability programme. The winemaking and packaging facilities used must also have been accredited or certified.

Philip Manson, General Manager – Sustainability at New Zealand Winegrowers, says sustainability is important to the New Zealand wine sector and is a key part of the overall brand story.

“New Zealand is a world leader in sustainably produced wines. For winemakers, sustainability not only means making great wine it is also about how they’re growing grapes and making wine, and how it affects the environment, people and the wider community”.

Judging of the wines takes place on 4-6 November with the announcement of the medal winning wines on 13 November. The elite medal and trophy winners will be announced at the awards dinner on 23 November in Queenstown.

This is the 27th year of the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, the premier wine competition in New Zealand, which recognises excellence in winemaking. The competition is owned and organised by New Zealand Winegrowers, the national organisation for the country's 1,700 grape growers and winemakers.

For more information visit www.airnzwineawards.co.nz

ENDS

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