Kiwi vines

Perhaps it is most fitting that we explore the history of wine in New Zealand as the Rugby World Cup is taking place there presently. That being said, the origin of the New Zealand wine industry almost mirrors that of Australia. James Busby, who was instrumental in introducing vines to Australia, also brought the vine to New Zealand when he was appointed British resident in 1832.

It took a long time for the wine industry to flourish in this new land as a great deal of New Zealand enforced prohibition and, given that the vast majority were farmers, they favoured beer or spirits over wine. Following the United Kingdom’s entry to the EEC (European Economic Community) in the 1960s, and the subsequent loss of New Zealand’s favoured trading agreements to the U.K. markets, farmers were forced to consider other options. The result was the planting of vineyards.

As with all new endeavours there were many growing pains as the growers planted vines that were most suitable to the climate and soil. The early wines were mostly for the new domestic market and expertise was gained by young New Zealanders travelling to Europe to work in the vineyards to acquire the knowledge and methodology that would prove so valuable in the vineyards of New Zealand.

Next: the wine regions of New Zealand.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
This week I suggest you kick back and enjoy a bottle of the 2010 Shoreline ($11.95) from Sandbanks Estate Winery. The wine is a pleasing mouthful of gala apples and ripe peach, with a nose of candied lemon peel; a hint of spice on the finish makes this a complement to this week’s recipe.

Sandbanks Estate Winery is located at 17598 Loyalist Parkway, just west of Wellington.