BANDING TOGETHER

With change afoot, many New Zealand wine players believe there will be strength in numbers. Some have even made it official. Established last year, Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) aims to protect the reputation of the region’s wines with its certification process. The AMW quality mark is a promise of origin, integrity, authenticity and sustainability. The group has almost 50 members, including Astrolabe.

The Family of Twelve was founded in 2005 with a similar ethos. Although it is not defined by a certification, it is a fraternity of small, family-run wineries NZ-wide, including Pegasus Bay (Paul is the Family chair), all passionate about supporting and promoting the New Zealand industry. The ‘Twelve’ represent every major New Zealand wine region and major grape variety. appellationmarlborough wine.co.nz familyoftwelve.co.nz