Red Blends Workshop - 7 June 2024
Success in a Changing Market
This workshop brought together industry experts and enthusiasts to explore the complexities and opportunities within the red blends segment.
Keynote speaker Gary Walsh shared his expertise and unique perspective on Red Blends alongside additional speakers Nick Buck, Aileen Huo, and Steven Carden. Walsh, known for his deep knowledge and passion for wines, set the tone for the event with his insightful commentary. He discussed current market trends, challenges faced by producers, and strategies to enhance the appeal of red blends to a broader audience.
Talented local winemakers also provided technical insights and perspectives, enriching the discussion with their hands-on experience and deep understanding of the craft. Their contributions highlighted Hawke’s Bay’s skill in producing high-quality red blends.
Attendees were treated to some exceptional wines and some great insights. The combination of expert opinions, quality wine tasting, and interactive discussions made it a memorable and informative event for all participants.
The highlight “The international tasting comparisons and the general level of thought provoking engagement and discussion.”
Workshop Programme
8.30am Welcome – Sally Duncan, Chair Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers
8.35am Introduction – Vince Labat, Te Mata Estate, Chair Red Blends Workshop
8.45am International viewpoint and benchmark wine flight tasting
– Gary Walsh, The WINEFRONT, Australia
To view the Technical Sheets of the wines Gary presented – click here
10.00am Morning Tea
10.30am Presentations – Success in a changing market:
– Nick Buck, Chief Executive, Te Mata Estate
– Aileen Luo, Winemaking Ambassador, Pernod Ricard
– Steven Carden, Managing Director, Delegat Group
12.00pm Lunch
12.30pm Winemaking from a commercial focus including wine flight tasting:
– Richard Painter, Indevin
– Paul Barber, Delegat
– Chris Scott, Church Road
2.30pm Alternative styles and varieties including wine flight tasting:
– Daniel Brennan, Decibel Wines
– Amy Farnsworth, Amoise Wines
– Jenny Dobson, Wine by Jenny Dobson
– Julianne Brogden, Collaboration Wines
4.30pm Finish
Speakers:
Gary Walsh
Keynote Speaker
Co-founder of The WINEFRONT
With over two decades of practical wine experience, Gary brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. As co-founder of The WINEFRONT and former wine editor for Inside Out Magazine, he has immersed himself in the world of wine, honing his expertise along the way.
Gary is co-author of the renowned “The Big Red Wine Book,” published by Hardie Grant Publishers. His contributions to this authoritative guide highlight his deep understanding of red wines and his ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible manner. He is also a regular judge at the West Australian Good Food and Wine Awards (WAGFG), Gary’s discerning palate and keen insights have earned him respect within the industry.
“When it comes to New Zealand red wine, most people think of Pinot Noir as its benchmark grape variety, though I’m different in that respect, because I believe the greatest (red) wines from NZ, invariably come from Hawke’s Bay. And they’re not Pinot Noir (and try as hard as you might, and fair play to you for trying to make some) this place is all about Syrah and Red blends. As a fairly regular visitor to the region, I look forward to sharing some benchmark red blends with you, and spreading some Cabernet love around.”
Gary Walsh, co-founder of The WINEFRONT
Gary’s conversational style of wine reviewing is disarming and approachable, making wine exploration enjoyable for enthusiasts of all levels. His passion for wine shines through in every review and presentation.
Nick Buck
Chief Executive
Te Mata Estate
Te Mata Estate has a storied legacy of producing some of New Zealand’s finest red wines and Nick’s insights promise to be invaluable.
Nick’s journey in the wine industry began at his family’s Te Mata Estate and renowned Coleraine vineyard home in Havelock North. He completed his Finance degree at Massey University while gaining hands-on experience in wine distribution, retailing and working on the family vineyards during summers.
After graduating, Nick moved to London to deepen his wine expertise. He took on marketing, shipping and sales roles at London wine importers and distributors, and pursued the UK’s Wine and Spirit Education Trust Diploma. His passion and dedication led him to establish an in-house wine importation and distribution division for a UK restaurant group, making him the largest duty-paid wine buyer in the UK by the age of 26.
Nick’s career further blossomed with a year-long internship at Chateau Margaux in France, followed by extensive exploration of wine regions in France, Spain, and Portugal. In 2000, he returned to Te Mata Estate as its first sales and marketing specialist. By 2003, Nick was a director, and in 2013, he was appointed Chief Executive.
“Hawke’s Bay’s Red Blends have been the champion wines of our region for over 70 years. These wines define Hawke’s Bay and celebrate everything that is so special about our wonderful region. At Te Mata Estate, we export our wines to 40 markets around the world. Whenever I present our wines, I’m immensely proud of Hawke’s Bay’s hard won reputation for excellence with this most complex of wines. I’m delighted to present at the workshop and can’t wait to hear to views of the other presenters and participants.” Nick Buck, Te Mata Estate
Under Nick’s leadership, Te Mata Estate has expanded its vineyards, modernised its wine production, developed new wines, and entered new international markets. Today Te Mata’s wines are celebrated in 40 countries continuing to elevate New Zealand’s reputation for exceptional wine.
Nick’s contributions extend beyond Te Mata. He has served nearly a decade as a director and Chairman of Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers and was a member of the New Zealand Winegrowers marketing board, showcasing his dedication to the broader wine community.
Aileen Luo
Winemaking Ambassador
Church Road
Aileen serves as a Winemaking Ambassador at Church Road. She divides her time with half a year in the winery making wine and the other in China engaging with consumers, seamlessly connecting commerce, marketing, and winemaking.
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Aileen’s fascination with wine began with a winemaker’s interview in a magazine at 17, inspiring her to leave her home country, China, to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology at Lincoln University, New Zealand. This was followed by an Exchange Scholarship at University California, Davis, and a hands-on vintage at Sonoma Kenwood Vineyards. Upon joining Church Road in 2018 as a lab technician, she discovered her passion for winemaking and sharing the unique story behind every glass of wine with consumers.
Today, Aileen serves as a Winemaking Ambassador at Church Road. She divides her time with half a year in the winery making wine and the other in China engaging with consumers, seamlessly connecting commerce, marketing, and winemaking.
In addition to this, she is currently studying for her Master of Business (Global Management and Marketing) to enhance her support for the business.
At the Red Blends Workshop Aileen will provide insights into Church Road’s success with red blends in the commercial and super premium market segments.
Steven Carden
Managing Director
Delegate Group
We are delighted to announce Steven Carden, Managing Director of Delegat Group Limited, will be a featured speaker at our upcoming workshop. Steven brings a wealth of experience in driving growth, building high-performing teams, and executing successful business strategies.
Steven joined Delegat in January 2022 and has been instrumental in shaping the company’s growth plans and organisational development. Before his role at Delegat, Steven was the CEO of Pāmu, New Zealand’s largest farming company. At Pāmu, he led a remarkable transformation of the State Owned Enterprise into a modern, diversified agribusiness.
Steven’s experience includes senior executive roles at PGG Wrightson and management at McKinsey & Company in New York. His leadership and strategic insight have been pivotal in the organisations he has served.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Steven is the founder of the First Foundation charity, which aims to provide educational scholarships to talented young New Zealanders. He also founded 26 Seasons, a vertical farming company that reflects his innovative approach to agribusiness.
Steven’s diverse background and forward-thinking leadership make him an invaluable speaker for our workshop. We look forward to hearing his insights and learning from his experience.
