FAMILY OF TWELVE TUTORIAL ALMOST UNDERWAY

The candidates for the inaugural Family of Twelve Wine Tutorial have been announced, encompassing some of the best wine professionals in New Zealand and Australia. The purpose of The Family of Twelve Wine Tutorial is to pass on firsthand knowledge to the New Zealand wine industry’s next generation of leaders, representatives and communicators, in keeping with the Family’s philosophy of developing the next generation of leaders.

“The tutorial will be an extraordinary and exciting learning opportunity for the twelve successful wine industry candidates,” said Family chair Judy Finn. “We believe it will be a world class event.”

The candidates will be tutored by no less than eight Family winemakers including pinot noir specialists Blair Walter of Felton Road, Helen Masters of Ata Rangi and pre-eminent biodynamic producer James Millton of Millton Vineyards. Alongside the tutors will be two moderators, both Masters of Wine, Michael Brajkovich MW of Kumeu River and external moderator Emma Jenkins MW.

“We have gathered a very smart library of wines, reflecting some of the best examples from across the globe,” said Finn. “I think many winemakers will be envious of these masterclasses”.

The Family has invested a significant proportion of its annual budget in bringing the tutorial to life. The tutorial comes at a time when the New Zealand wine industry’s commitment to the development of its professionals and future leaders appears limited.

“As a producer of quality wine, selling at enviable prices New Zealand relies on our future leaders and ambassadors to nourish this momentum in a personal and committed way - congratulations and all the very best to our candidates”

The first tutorial will be held at Craggy Range in Hawke’s Bay.