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"Sometimes less is perfect...."

Tuesday 3 July 2012, 5:15PM

By Lily & Louis

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Mission Estate launches NZ’s first 500ml bottles of Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.


Mission Estate, New Zealand’s oldest winery, has been making wine for 161 years - but that doesn’t mean they always follow tradition.

Last year, CEO Peter Holley and winemaker Paul Mooney read research that showed the New Zealand demographic is becoming older and increasingly urban, and living in smallerfamily units*. Kiwis also tend to be active and care about their health, participating in outdoor pursuits year round as well as picnics and barbeques in the summer.

It was quickly identified that the standard 750ml wine bottle might not always suit the lifestyle of these market segments.

So, proving Mission Estate’s pioneering spirit once again, the Hawke’s Bay winery has just launched New Zealand’s very first 500ml bottles of red and white wine. The perfect in-between serving size for two, each bottle contains four glasses of wine.

“This innovative new format was created in response to the lifestyles of many of our customers,” says Mission Estate CEO Peter Holley. “It’s ideal for a couple who like to enjoy quality wine with their meal at home, without having any wastage. And it’s sure to be a picnic essential in summer. We think this new bottle size has the potential to be a real opportunity for New Zealand wine.”

The first two wines to be released in the 500ml bottle are the highly regarded Mission Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 and the Mission Estate Syrah 2011 (Silver,International Wine Challenge). Like all Mission Estate wines, they are elegantly crafted and reflect true regional characteristics.

Both 500ml wines are available to buy now at selected New World stores, the Mission Estate cellar door, and online at missionestate.co.nz. RRP $9.99 - $12.99.

* Statistics New Zealand.