Goldwater to mark 20th vintage release

Goldwater to mark 20th vintage release with special event and Goldie release

Goldwater wine will mark its 20th anniversary vintage release in style with a special wine dinner on Waiheke Island next week.

Goldwater is one of very few New Zealand wineries that can claim to 20 years of premium five star Bordeaux blend production.

``We are marking the special occasion with the limited release of “Goldie” 2002, the new name for our flagship Bordeaux blend, at the national event on the island on March 11,’’ Goldwater spokeswoman Gretchen Goldwater said today.

One of New Zealand’s leading wine experts, Bob Campbell says the Goldwater label is a ``remarkable testimony to a district that is with some justification hailed as New Zealand's best area for Bordeaux style reds’’

Noted wine personalities Vic Williams, Joelle Thomson, Keith Stewart, Michael Cooper, John Hawkesby and Campbell attended a pre-release of the “Goldie” 2002 together with a vertical line up of every red wine produced by Goldwater since their first release in 1982.

Goldwater became the first vinifera winery on Waiheke Island when they planted in 1978. They have been at the forefront of premium wine production in New Zealand since the early 80s.

From a `Mom and Pop’ family operation in 1978, Goldwater has grown to become a Category 2 winery with sales now in excess of 200,000 litres annually, exporting to 25 countries.

The 20th `Goldie’ release will be a numbered release with only 600 half cases each in special wooden case including a letter from pioneer winemaker Kim Goldwater who retired as chief winemaker in July 2004.

Nikolai St George who had worked as assistant winemaker for previous five years has taken over as winemaker but Kim Goldwater remains as chairman of the board

The Waiheke wine industry was pioneered by Kim and Jeanette Goldwater in 1978 and has been a major influence on the island’s economy. Goldwater is the jewel in the Waiheke wine crown which now boasts 29 vineyards, eight wineries - and more expected to open this year. “The island’s vineyards have really played a key role in the property boom,’’ says Gretchen Goldwater, of Goldwater Estate.

Waiheke has become a lifestyle destination, and a most desirable location. The desirability is under-pinned by the wine industry.

Since its first release in 1982, Goldwater has been pivotal in placing Waiheke on the world wine map. Their annual charity auction last weekend saw $60,000 raised under the hammer.

Copyright Word of Mouth Media NZ

© Scoop Media