While New Zealand has managed the pandemic better than most, a lack of tourism and difficulties with shipping have taken a toll on wine sales. Martin Green reports.

Pure Piraña, Heineken’s hard seltzer brand, has announced an expansion into Europe following its exports into Mexico and New Zealand last year.

Nautilus Estate winemaker Clive Jones has been elected chair of the board at New Zealand Winegrowers.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has launched in New Zealand through Fifth Generation Inc and Hancocks Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants.

The New Zealand Geographical Indications (Wine and Spirits) Registration Act has come into force today giving better protection to 18 of the country’s wine regions.

New Zealand wine exports to the US have surpassed $500m for the first time, an increase of 11% within the last year.

The Australian wine industry wants to exploit the Chinese market after its imports to the US were valued less than that of New Zealand.

New Zealand’s wine industry is on track to reach its target of $2 billion of exports by 2020, according to chairman of New Zealand Winegrowers, Steve Green.

The 2016 New Zealand grape harvest has finished, with high quality fruit being picked across the country, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

New Zealand wine exports have reached a new record high of $1.54 billion for the 2015 year, up 14% on 2014, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.

Marlborough Lines has agreed to invest NZ$89 million to purchase an 80% shareholding in New Zealand wine producer, Yealands.

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced that Gisborne will host New Zealand’s first Chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium early next year.

Leading New Zealand winery, Villa Maria, has announced that Alastair Maling is leaving after more than 12 years.

The New Zealand owned winery has bought a 41-hectare property in the sought-after Gimblett Gravels sub-region in Hawkes Bay.

Two Paddocks, the New Zealand wine producer owned by actor, Sam Neill, has bought a fourth vineyard, this one in Bannockburn.

New Zealand Winegrowers says wine drinkers globally are continuing to buy New Zealand wines.

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced the appointment of Chris Stroud as its new marketing manager – Europe.

The 2012 vintage is down more than 20% in places, but the Kiwis are happy to try to strike a balance between demand and supply. Christian Davis reports

Bacardi has named Team USA winners of the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup 2012, which took place at the vodka brand's home, New Zealand.

New Zealand winemankers Tiki Wines has released a 2011 Pinot Gris to the UK, Finland, Iceland, Channel Islands, Ireland and the domestic market.

David Cox, director – Europe for New Zealand Winegrowers has left the organisation to pursue other interests and projects.

New Zealand Winegrowers has announced the dates and details of its Pinot Noir conference, 2013

Angostura has crowned US bartender David Delaney Jr as the winner of the 2012 Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge.

Asahi Group has reached an agreement to acquire Australsian-based drinks operator, Flavoured Beverages Group.

Team Italy has won the 2011 42 Below Cocktail World Cup.

Jeff Clarke has been appointed chief winemaker at Marlborough’s Ara Wines.

New Zealand: An organic wine group has set a goal for 20% of New Zealand vineyards to be organic by 2020.

Pernod Ricard has announced the completion of the sale, by its affiliate Pernod Ricard New Zealand, of Lindauer and other New Zealand wine brands from Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay together with their inventories and assets.

A Pinot Noir from the Central Otago region has been named Champion Wine at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Pernod Ricard New Zealand has announced the disposal of its Lindauer wine brand. The company has also announced the sale of several other New Zealand wine brands from Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay together with their related inventories and assets.

Pernod Ricard has decided to dump the Montana brand name and re-name New Zealand’s flagship Sauvignon Blanc, Brancott Estate.

The 2010 New Zealand grape harvest totalled 266,000 tonnes, 19,000 tonnes smaller than the 2009 crop and in line with the pre-harvest forecast.