The future and the strength of New Zealand wine comes down to its variety, Steve Green says.
Mr Green, owner of Carrick winery in Bannockburn, was this week announced as the new chairman of the New Zealand Winegrowers board.
"The strength of the New Zealand wine industry is that we have some very good big wineries that produce a lot of relatively cheap wine but also small boutique wineries that have different strengths which add real interest and another dimension."
He said Marlborough was the keystone of the industry while other regions such as Central Otago added diversity as each had its own taste and credentials.
"And that's the beauty of the industry."
That diversity was what had given New Zealand wines a reputation that had seen them sought-after internationally.
The industry's biggest markets were Australia, the United Kingdom and North America and many places wanted more than one New Zealand wine label on their wine lists.
However, China, was the fastest-growing wine importer in the world "and they love New Zealand wines and a range of New Zealand wines".
Mr Green said that Central Otago wine labels were quickly gaining a presence in international and national markets, something he thought was reflected in his appointment.
"I was approached by several groups from within the industry so it is nice that they had confidence in me. It is a huge honour and I think it also reflects the growing presence of Central Otago in the wine industry.
"Fifteen to 20 years ago we were not really part of the industry and now for me to be elected as chairman reflects our strengths."
He succeeds Stuart Smith, of Marlborough, who has stepped down after six years in the role.
Mr Green has been in the wine industry for about 20 years and this is not his first leadership role.
He has been on the New Zealand Winegrowers board since 2005 and served as deputy chairman for the past three years.
He has been president of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association for about four years and was instrumental in setting up Central Otago Pinot Noir Ltd, the marketing arm of the association.
He has also worked as chief executive of the Central Otago District Council from 1996 to 2001.
With that experience, he believed he had the leadership skills and ability to work with all the different groups involved in winemaking in this country.
As for his favourite wine - it could only be what Central Otago is best known for, pinot noir.
Gisborne grapegrower and former mayor John Clarke was appointed the board's deputy chairman. He has had more than 30 years' experience in the industry, served as chairman of the Gisborne Winegrowers Association for 10 years and joined the national board in 2006.
