AFFW Joins Hands with NZ’s Family of Twelve

Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW) will soon be heading over to New Zealand to collaborate with NZ’s most famous family owned wine estates. The ‘Next Gens’ of AFFW will fully engage in the winemaking procedures and techniques of NZ’s Family of Twelve. Starting 13^th October in Auckland, 19 of AFFW’s Next Gens will learn, taste, talk, tweet and enjoy the beautiful experiences of wine production in New Zealand.

The event will kick off on Thursday, 13^th October, at Glengarry Wines in Auckland, where the AFFW Next Gens will taste distinct and juicy wines from all over NZ with the Family of Twelve. They will also get the chance to interact with local growers as well as winemakers, understanding how they work day to day, crafting elegant and flavoursome wines for the global wine market.

On Friday, 14^th October, Kumeu River and Villa Maria – both members of the NZ Family of Twelve, will host structured wine tastings, in addition to a premium Chardonnay master class headed by Michael Brajkovich MW. A presentation on ‘Women in Wine,' as well as a discussion on Sustainability are also listed on the itinerary.

Both Saturday and Sunday (15^th & 16^th October) will be spent exploring wineries like Fromm Winery and Lawson’s Dry Hills in Marlborough, and understanding the soil types, vineyard sites, viticulture and organics of the celebrated wine region. The tour will end with Neudorf winemaker Todd Stevens hosting a premium wine tasting gala.

Many people might wonder why AFFW needs to go to NZ if they are just concerned with Aussie varietals and blends. This is because they have spent the last four years visiting each other’s local wineries and collaborating to improve winemaking techniques. Now, they need to look a little further if they wish to expand their knowledge. Combining forces with their immediate neighbours seemed like the most obvious choice.

Australia’s First Families of Wine

Brown Brothers, d'-Arenberg, Yalumba, Taylors, Campbells, Tyrrells, Tahbilk, De Bortoli, McWilliam’s, Howard Park, Henschke Wines, and Jim Barry Wines.

NZ’s Family of Twelve

Ata Rangi, Villa Maria, Craggy Range, Pegasus Bay, Felton Road, Neudorf, Fromm Winery, Palliser Estate, Kumeu River, Nautilus Estate, Lawson’s Dry Hills, and Milton Vineyards.

Australia’s First Families of Wine (AFFW) will soon be heading over to New Zealand to collaborate with NZ’s most famous family (Family of Twelve) owned wine estates.