The "secret weapon" of Central Otago wine producers is perhaps their collaborative spirit, Valli winemaker Jen Parr says.
Parr is on the board of the Central Otago Winemakers Association (COWA) which has for the first time organised Roam Central, a four-day wine festival in January.
"People come here with an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience the extreme and I think that holds true for visitors and wine growers alike."
Fellow board member Mora Wines direct-to-consumer sales manager Catherine Douglas agrees, saying the region has some very intrepid and ingenious winegrowers and winemakers, but more importantly, are a community.
"The saying ‘the rising tide raises all ships’ is very much in play here, with openness and support amongst wineries the status quo."
They believe the timing is right to bring people back, to not just Queenstown, but the surrounding Central Otago communities with an event that appeals to many.
"When we first started designing this event, we designed it with the more "wine-curious" consumer in mind.
"Someone who perhaps doesn’t have a great depth of knowledge of wine, but wants to know more and, perhaps more importantly, wants to do it in a setting that is quite unique and special. So, there are a number of different events at different price points and different levels of investment and commitment."
COWA board member Gibbston Valley winemaker Christopher Keys says wine is about community, sharing and being exploratory.
"It’s going to be a direct line between producers and people; you will meet winemakers, try their best wines."
That includes a wine and food festival at Cargo in Gibbston Valley as well as one-off exclusive dinners and brunches where there will more likely be thorough discussions on wine.
"No pocket protectors will be issued with festival tickets and red cards will be issued for too much wine-geek-speak," Parr says.
It is a chance to let wineries share their knowledge of the special place their vineyards are, she says.
"The wine in the glass captures the energy, history, geology, humanity, humility — it could be said the "pulse of the region" and of course each producer has their own exciting story to tell."
Like most industries, they have had their challenges in recent years but by working together have got through.
"We are not here just for today, we reflect upon the past and strategise for the future.
"We believe in working thoughtfully today so each new generation gets the opportunity to experience the hard work, laughter and friendship we have shared as Central Otago winegrowers."
TO SEE
Roam Central, January 26-29
