VIRTUOSO VINEYARDS

Like Kiwi cricketers Kiwi wine makers don't always set world records for absolute quantity., but they can point with pride to continuing improvement and a high batting average. Indeed, wines from New Zealand command the highest average price per litre of any wine exporting country, including vous savez qui in Europe. The reason is that it may be rare to come by a $1,000 New Zealand wine, but it is rare to find a $5 wine too. New Zealand wine makers have made a point of occupying the virtuous 'upper middle class' segment, providing good value for money with distinctive Sauvignon Blanc wines in particular. Some years back, despite the wine glut elsewhere, New Zealand export wine values per litre rose 15 percent and export earnings were up 30 percent on the years earlier. If time is the enemy, then a busy traveller still has the option of sampling the Villa Maria collection at a vineyard just one mile from the hustle and bustle of Auckland international airport.