By Clive Weston, Chairman, The Family of Twelve

The Family of Twelve presented its wines at Prowein in March 2013. Showing two wines from each Family member made for a fascinating snapshot of New Zealand’s myraid of varieties and terriors. Buyers came not only from Continental Europe but from as far afield as Canada, Puerto Rico and Russia. Visitors to the Family stand, which sat within the New Zealand Winegrowers “Pavilion”, comprised of  importers, winewriters, hoteliers, restaurateurs and fine wine retailers. Representing the Family were Paul Brajkovich of Kumeu River, Kate Adamson of Craggy Range, Penny Fear of Villa Maria and Clive Weston of Nautilus Estate. Three full days and many hundreds of Family tastings later, we reflected on a valid and worthwhile Family flag waving exercise. 

Paul Brajkovich of Kumeu River shares the Family story at Prowein Wine Fair, Dusseldorf, Germany.

Enjoy a ‘best of’ evening including all the favourite dishes and wines from the dine uncorked Family of Twelve winemakers 2012 dinner series.

Download the full details with menus here (PDF format), or check under the picture for timing and bookings.

Tuesday 19 February – Best of the North Island

Wednesday 20 February – Best of the South Island

6.30pm each night

Presented by Winemakers of the Family of Twelve

$150 per person per night

dine by Peter Gordon,
90 Federal Street, Auckland

Bookings essential as numbers are limited
Phone 09 363 6000 or email dine@skycity.co.nz

Download the full details with menus here (PDF format)

Vini-Viti-Veritas by Paul Donaldson

The best thing about family is that there aren’t any secrets, well most of the time anyway. To the same extent, when looking at our vineyards, we all have nothing to hide. That’s why once a year all our viticulturalists get together to discuss what they are doing, what effects it has, and what we could all look at doing better. Late last year, the family descended on the Wairarapa to impose ourselves on the vineyards, winery, and general hospitality of Palliser Estate. It was early December, and the flowering was just kicking in, so the southerly front lashing its way up the country left Ivan and I with an uneasy feeling as we jumped on a flight from Christchurch to Wellington. As was to be expected, the landing was….. a little lumpy, and the driving rain on the Rimutakas left us assuming the outdoor part of the program might have to be ditched and we would all be forced to sit around inside drinking Pinot which would, of course, be a total tragedy!

However, as we headed into Martinborough, the clouds formed a perfect halo around a oasis of blue sky, and the temperature increased to a point that I was wishing I hadn’t been so formal, and should perhaps have opted for shorts. On arrival everyone appeared to have eyes bright and tails bushy, something of surprise to me when I heard that most had been enjoying Martinboroughs hospitality until the small hours the previous night. I am sure they were still amped for the Sauvignon Blanc tasting before lunch!

We started in the vineyard, and I should clarify here that I am not a viticulturalist. I came along to pick up a few handy pointers in this area, it’s really my dad that was there to contribute. The vineyard portion of the day was amazing though, everyone had something to add, which really is the beauty of the knowledge-share that has been set up. A large amount was covered, starting with vine-replanting and health, soil profiles, an in-depth look at inter-row plantings to increase bio-diversity, which lead on to a great talk on mealybug control. A key part of the vineyard session for us was the discussion around the use of sheep for leaf-plucking. Palliser Estate has a few years experience in this and it was invaluable to learn from them, rather than to have to re-invent the wheel.

Having fully satiated our viticultural desires, we heading inside to explore how these things translated into the magic that ends up in your glass. There was a quick look at frost monitoring (the advances here are stunningly fast, and speaking from personal experience don’t allow me to lie in bed while keeping an eye on things rather than driving around the vineyard at 2am!) before we moved on to the wine. The Wairarapa has a unique expression of Sauvignon Blanc as compared to Marlborough, and of course, the 2012 vintage was quite a different beast to the 2011, so it was great to be able to try the wines from 3 of the region’s best producers from both these vintages, to see the contrasts in both winemaking and vintage. The 2012s were not slouches either, with Craggy Range, Ata Rangi, and Palliser all producing stunning wines. It was no-holds-barred on the winemaking questions too, another great example of the “nothing to hide” philosophy.

After a sumptuous lunch complemented with the family’s wines plucked from the ever genial Richard Riddiford’s personal cellar, we moved (rolled more like…!) back to the tasting room. After a look at a few Pinot Noir trials, we were then given a treat. Everyone had been asked to bring along a pinot noir sample from the 2012 vintage. These were truly exciting. The extended hang time achieved in the 2012 vintage has given a fantastic depth of flavour and richness without the high alcohol that sometimes comes with this. Across the board the wines tried were very promising, and many confessed to what they tasted as being something of a relief! None were finished wines of course (ours had only just completed Malo!) but the potential was there to be seen.

The day finished up with a caffeine hit to perk me up for the drive back to Wellington, where the  wind had dropped and the flight back was delightfully uneventful. It’s always great to see a non-dysfunctional family pull it together and share their secrets. Long may it last!

Paul Donaldson of Pegasus Bay Winery, Waipara.

The Family of Twelve greets Asia

The Family of Twelve is to make its first overseas tour in three years, starting in Melbourne before visiting Singapore and Hong Kong.

The Family of Twelve is a fraternity of 12 of New Zealand’s most successful and enduring artisanal private winemakers. These producers share common values and dreams and recognise that while individual marketing costs overseas are often prohibitive; participating in large generic campaigns can sometimes mean getting lost in the crowd.

The Family’s first foray overseas came in 2005 and focused on some of the world’s greatest food and wine capitals: San Francisco, New York and London. Dublin, Chicago, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide followed. For the past three years, the Family has stayed closer to home, bringing enthusiastic and influential connoisseurs from different parts of the world to New Zealand and welcoming them into the homes and wineries that make up the Family of Twelve. With six Family members based in the North Island and six in the South, we’ve been able to showcase the best of New Zealand’s wine regions and grape varieties as well as some of the country’s most highly regarded wines and most exuberant personalities.

However the time has come for the Family to embark on its next overseas trip and this time the focus is on some important emerging markets in Asia.

The group departs on Tuesday, October 30 and will touch down briefly in Melbourne, Australia, a significant market for premium New Zealand wines, for a Master Class inviting key media and trade.  Held at The Archer Room, The Botanical, 169 Domain Road, South Yarra VIC 3141 tastings run from 2pm to 5pm.  Email familyofXII@xtra.co.nz to confirm a seat.

We arrive in Singapore on October 31, for a series of events over the four days to Sunday, November 4th.  Contact Curtis Marsh curtisjohn@singnet.com.sg for details of events.

Next stop is Hong Kong, a bustling global hub that has reportedly overtaken London and New York as the world’s most important trade centre for fine wine.  

A series of “must-attend” educational tastings and events is being planned, culminating with the Family of Twelve’s debut at  one of Asia’s biggest wine event, the 2012 Hong Kong International Wines and Spirits Fair.    Thu 8^th, Fri 9^th and Sat 10^th November at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. on stand 3G – F22  www.hktdc.com/hkwinefair . 

Family chairman Clive Weston of Nautilus Estate says the lure of the Asian markets is strong. “While we love hosting visitors at home, excitement is building over the possibilities of these emerging markets. We are looking forward to making some new friends and building some new relationships and hope this visit will pave the way for many future tours to Asia and beyond.”

 Family of Twelve  Masterclass  ‘Embracing the Diversity of New Zealand Wine’,  followed by a Walk Around Tasting of the ‘Family Heirlooms’ Tues 6^th Nov;  3pm – 5pm.  Boardroom 6, Renaissance Hotel, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.   Email marketing@cru-magazine.com by 26^th Oct to confirm seats.

This Masterclass will be repeated at the Hong Kong International Wines and Spirits Fair, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre in (Wine Tasting Room) Hall 3F, 5pm – 6pm. 

Family of Twelve Gala Dinner – Tue 6^th  Nov; 7pm, Scala Restaurant, Renaissance Hotel, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong.  Price: HK$850 per head. Email nicholem@villamaria.co.nz by 26^th Oct to reserve seats.  END

The Family of Twelve comprises:

■ For further information please contact Clive Weston, Family of Twelve chairman, +64 21-905-565, cweston@nautilusestate.com

 July 12,, 2012

The Family of Twelve greets Asia

The Family of Twelve is to make its first overseas tour in three years, starting in Melbourne before visiting Singapore and Hong Kong.

The Family of Twelve is a fraternity of 12 of New Zealand’s most successful and enduring artisanal private winemakers. These producers share common values and dreams and recognise that while individual marketing costs overseas are often prohibitive, participating in large generic campaigns can sometimes mean getting lost in the crowd.

The Family’s first foray overseas came in 2005 and focused on some of the world’s greatest food and wine capitals: San Francisco, New York and London. Dublin, Chicago, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide followed. For the past three years, the Family has stayed closer to home, bringing enthusiastic and influential connoisseurs from different parts of the world to New Zealand and welcoming them into the homes and wineries that make up the Family of Twelve. With six Family members based in the North Island and six in the South, we’ve been able to showcase the best of New Zealand’s wine regions and grape varieties as well as some of the country’s most highly regarded wines and most exuberant personalities.

However the time has come for the Family to embark on its next overseas trip and this time the focus is on some important emerging markets in Asia.

The group departs on Tuesday, October 30 and will touch down briefly in Melbourne, Australia, a significant market for premium New Zealand wines, for a Press tasting and dinner.

We arrive in Singapore on October 31, for a series of events over the four days to Sunday, November 4th.

Next stop is Hong Kong, a bustling global hub that has reportedly overtaken London and New York as the world’s most important trade centre for fine wine.  

A series of “must-attend” educational tastings and events is being planned, culminating with the Family of Twelve’s debut at Asia’s biggest wine event, the 2012 Hong Kong International Wines and Spirits Fair.    

Family chairman Clive Weston of Nautilus Estate says the lure of the Asian markets is strong. “While we love hosting visitors at home, excitement is building over the possibilities of these emerging markets. We are looking forward to making some new friends and building some new relationships and hope this visit will pave the way for many future tours to Asia and beyond.”

END

 ■ For further information please contact Clive Weston, Family of Twelve chairman, +64 21-905-565, cweston@nautilusestate.com

Please visit us in New Zealand or at www.familyoftwelve.co.nz

An opportunity opened to the Family earlier this year to run a Pinot Noir Masterclass alongside the London International Wines & Spirits event.   Family vote was a unanimous ‘Yes’ and with speed and gusto chairman Clive Weston and his angels here and in London organized the venue, invites, mediator (Tim Atkin MW), collateral, 4 panelist plus wine, all within the deadline.

Masterclass:  May 22^nd 2012 at London Wine Trade Fair, South Gallery Rooms 23 & 24 @ 3.30pm.

Contact:  Valerie Lewis vlewis@negociants.com to book a seat, selling quickly.

March – Sept 2012

From March, FXII have been hosting a series of dinner parties at Dine Restaurant, Sky City.  See schedule below, to book seats to have dinner with your favourite FXII wine producer and enjoy fabulous food created by Peter Gordon.  Contact Rachel Peacock - Sky City, Auckland. Rachel.Peacock@skycity.co.nz .to book.

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June 2011

World Magazine host a lunch to promote the pending Rugby World Cup 2011.  MC – John Hawkesby and guest speakers David Kirk and Graham Henry entertain the 350 guests and enjoy a sumptuous menu accompanied by a range of premium wines exclusively supplied by Family of XII.Venue The Great Room, The Langham Hotel, Auckland.

The Family Of Twelve will be presenting a wine portfolio at:

Hilton Dublin Hotel, Charlemont Place
Thursday 15th May, 2008 – 13:00 – 18:00

New Zealand’s Wine Family – an export-focused marketing alliance of twelve New Zealand winemakers was launched in New Zealand in 2005. Adopting a name which reflects both the cooperative spirit and private ownership, The Family kicked off its export initiative with events three years ago in San Francisco, New York & London. This year the family will be visiting Dublin, Chicago and Australia (Brisbane , Sydney, Melbourne) The wineries involved encompass wine regions throughout New Zealand and make wine from almost every major grape variety. Six are from the North Island and six from the South. The Family of 12′s first Chairman, Richard Riddiford, said the concept evolved as all the best ideas do over a glass of wine.

“We are a group of producers who enjoy one another’s company, who like and respect one another’s wines and philosophies, and who can make quick decisions. The people behind these established and respected brands bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and energy not to mention consistently outstanding wines to the table. With premium quality wines from each of our major regions we can show­case the diversity and quality of New Zealand wine in an effective and targeted way. It’s a very crowded market out there and New Zealand needs fresh, new approaches to grab the attention of busy wine­buyers and consumers. As a group we have far more potency. Each of us is committed to fine wine and it’s refreshing to work with generous-spirited, fun, intelligent and creative people. We are dedicated to continually pushing the boundaries of excellence, and we hope ultimately to stimulate demand for ALL New Zealand wine.”

Leading the group is the current appointed chair Paul Brajkovich, who in January 2007 took over from Richard Riddiford. Paul comes to the group with a wealth of experience from his role in the family business at Kumeu River Winery.

“Richard has done a fantastic job in setting the Family of Twelve up the whole concept has worked better than any of us might have hoped.” says Paul.

Ireland is a key market for New Zealand wine producers. According to MAT New Zealand Winegrowers export figures 1.34 million litres were exported to Ireland in 2007. Ireland now represents 1.6% of New Zealand’s exports. Exports to Ireland are now worth approximately 6.72 million. Irish trade figures to December 2007 show New Zealand wines as being the fastest growing country of origin with volume sales of New Zealand wine in Ireland increasing by 40% in 2007. viagra