New Zealand Wine Fair Touring China

New Zealand wineries return to China to present a showcase of premium wines in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

The annual showcase of ’What’s New in New Zealand Wine’ takes to the road across China from 23-29 May 2013 with wine fairs in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

The New Zealand Wine Fair 2013 China features more than 33 wineries pouring over 150 wines from the country’s 10 leading wine growing regions, a reflection of strong growth in New Zealand wine exports to mainland China.

The initiative continues the momentum of the concerted New Zealand Wine High Impact Program, implemented in 2013 by national economic development agency New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and national wine industry body, New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW).

“The number of wineries in these New Zealand Wine fairs demonstrates the importance of China as our 5th largest export market and allows the opportunity to taste premium, sustainable wines covering our key varieties and regions.” says Chris Yorke, New Zealand Winegrowers’ Global Marketing Director.

The Fair agenda includes trade and consumer tastings. The invite-only masterclasses to be presented by the wine experts will be highlights of the event.

"Building recognition of the New Zealand wine brand and keeping up the attention of the influencers in the Chinese wine industry will be a key factor in the success of this project,’’ says Mike Arand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s Trade Commissioner to Shanghai.

In a major coup for New Zealand wine, Chinese wine expert Fongyee Walker will host three masterclasses titled ’New Wave Sauvignon Blanc and the North Island’s Great Reds’. Respected New Zealand winemaker John Hancock will join Fongyee to host the Beijing session and Villa Maria’s Charlotte Read will host the masterclass in Guangzhou. These sessions will showcase the exciting development of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the premium quality of Bordeaux Blends by region.

With a focus on benchmark quality and regional character and complexity, the tastings will provide trade and mass audience the opportunity to discover some of the exceptional wines for themselves. For event details visit http://www.nzwine.com/events/

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand government agency for export promotion. New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) is the industry body for New Zealand wine.