Marlborough hosts Romeo Bragato

 
More than 500 grape growers, winemakers, and wine sector leaders have met in Blenheim for the annual New Zealand Winegrowers’ Romeo Bragato national conference.

Confidence is running high among on the back of another high-quality, high-output 2014 harvest and indications that wine prices will remain strong on international markets.

The conference theme of ‘new horizons’ reflects a feeling that world-wide demand remains strong for our sauvignon blanc, while demand strengthens for chardonnay, pinot noir and other varieties.

Conference organisers say this year’s conference will identify current challenges, explore future opportunities and further  arm the industry with relevant knowledge says New Zealand Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan.

The conference theme will be addressed in keynote speeches, including the Bragato Address by Kym Anderson, Professor of Economics from theUniversity of Adelaide and the Australian National University.

Celebrated author and New Zealander of the Year 2010, Sir Ray Avery, will speak about ‘customer-centric business strategies for the wine industry’ to inspire the sector to forge a profitable and sustainable path forward.

The conference programme includes technical sessions focused on quality and sustainable grape and wine production, marketing workshops, and discussions around the latest advocacy issues.

The conference also features the only wine awards acknowledging the grape grower – the Romeo Bragato Wine Awards. Trophy winners of this competition will be announced at the Bragato Dinner on Thursday.