Brightwater Vineyards News and Events

Summer 2009/2010 Would you believe it? It’s been ten years since Valley and I released our first vintage of wine! Feels like only yesterday. Yes, ten yeas of Brightwater Vineyards wines and this summer we are celebrating. More on that later. Nelson, home to the International Aromatics Symposium, is well known for producing some of New Zealand’s top aromatic wines (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer etc) and we have some recent successes to illustrate that. First of all our Brightwater Vineyards 2009 Riesling was awarded a Gold medal and the Trophy for Champion Riesling at the Liquorland Top 100 International Wine Competition 2009. Judges Comments “Another stunning Riesling from this producer. Ultra fresh and lifted aromatics give way to a sweet, ripe and juicy palate but with a fine, balancing acidity. A very fine wine delectable on its own or with Asian dishes.” This is the second time in three years we have been awarded this trophy, In fact our last five Rieslings have all been awarded gold medals! Then our Brightwater Vineyards 2009 Pinot Gris was the only Pinot Gris to be awarded a Pure Gold medal at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards in November. Bob Campbell Comments “ Intense and moderately sweet wine with strong pear/stonefruit flavours and a drop-dead silken texture. Long and succulent. Classy wine in a classic Nelson style.” The grapes for this wine come from the very first pick of Pinot Gris from our new Sturkenboom vineyard. We know it is a great site and going to produce great wines but we did not expect to see such recognition in the very first year! The “Pure” aspect of the Pure Gold signifies that this wine has been entirely produced under the New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainability programme. Our home vineyard was first certified as sustainable in 1999 but it is only recently that the programme has been extended to include wineries. We are very proud to say that upon our first application Brightwater Vineyards was successfully audited and certified as a Tier 3 Level Sustainable Winery, the highest level of sustainable membership obtainable. And yes, ten years of Brightwater Vineyards wines. Surprising really, we still feel as though we are just getting started. Lets celebrate! During January, we opened bottles of all the past ten vintages of our wine. These “vertical selections” were held at the tasting room and many wine lovers came to taste and enjoy. Some were great! Some … enlightening. It was very interesting and people were amazed. Also, as a heartfelt thank you to our loyal local customers, we ran a promotion in local participating retail outlets. Every purchase of a Brightwater Vineyards wine allowed you to enter into the draw to win one of six luxury wine fridges brimming with Brightwater Vineyards’ wine. You, our local customers have been great in supporting us so we decided to do something for you. And the thought that these prizes went to some of the many people who love our wines feels great. The fridges were drawn live on Classic Hits radio on Friday 5th February and the 6 winners presented with their prizes the following week. They were over the moon. Looking forward to a great vintage. Cheers Gary