Premium Portfolio of NZ Wines launches to Global Markets

Returning home to New Zealand after eight years in the London Wine Trade, Peter Lorimer had one thing on his mind; the forming of a wine distribution business, to take boutique New Zealand wines to the world.

His experience working as Wine Buyer and Head Sommelier at the Dorchester Hotel and as Sales Manager for Lea and Sandeman Wine Merchants in London, focused Peter on the opportunities that existed for New Zealand vigernons. He comments, “Despite the considerable penetration of New Zealand wines on the global stage, there certainly remains ample room for premium NZ wines in traditional markets such as the UK and staggering potential for our best brands in burgeoning Asian markets.”

Backed by a heartland collective of Kiwi wine producers, Peter has created his dream under the name New Zealand Wine Portfolio. He is a marketing and distribution specialist - creating, nurturing and managing international export channels and relationships with importers in new and emerging markets.

The essence of the New Zealand Wine Portfolio is to create strong, long-term relationships with importers “who get as unashamedly excited by wines as we do”.

Peter stresses that ‘each producer has an incredible story to tell, so our distributors will be provided with premium trade support packages. The tools within each package are included to educate as well as build excitement and advocacy round our range of hand picked producers. Within each market we look forward to creating a team of NZ Wine Portfolio aficionados!’

The New Zealand Wine Portfolio is a family of nine exceptional New Zealand producers, launching onto the world stage July 2010:

Stonyridge Vineyard Waiheke Steve White

Cypress Wines, Hawke’s Bay Gus and Mel Lawson

Lime Rock Wines, Central Hawke’s Bay Rosie Butler & Rodger Tynan

Cambridge Road, Martinborough Lance Redgwell

Big Sky, Martinborough Jeremy Corban & Katherine Jacobs

Two Rivers, Marlborough David Clouston

Weka River, Waipara Brent ‘Harry’ Harris & Susan Laidlaw

Black Quail, Central Otago Rod & Mirani Keillor

Michelle Richardson Marlborough & Michelle Richardson

Central Otago

Peter selected unique wines that are all crafted by producers who demonstrate inspiration, passion and an intimate knowledge of their vineyards. Hand-picked from the best wine growing regions in New Zealand, they collectively echo the country’s rich and diverse regions.

The New Zealand Wine Portfolio will focus on building relationships in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America. Peter will visit each market introducing the wine collective to importers and he will host bespoke events for their clients, reflecting New Zealand’s culture and the wines of the Portfolio.