Organic Winegrowers New Zealand (OWNZ) is a growers’ association dedicated to supporting and encouraging the production of high quality organic wines.
Founded in 2007 by organic viticulturists and vineyard owners from every major wine region in New Zealand, OWNZ is led by a national executive committee of organic and biodynamic winegrowers, and by regional grower committees in several wine regions.
OWNZ has delivered field days, seminars and workshops on organic winegrowing throughout New Zealand, and plans are underway for more events this year. Other current projects include creation of online and printed resources on organic growing; dialogue with organic certifiers around the organic standards; marketing and publicity about NZ organic wines; and initiation of organic research projects.
In 2009, OWNZ organised The Organic Wine Future, New Zealand’s first national symposium on organic winegrowing, in Marlborough. A CD of proceedings from this conference is now available; see contact information below.
OWNZ is an independent incorporated society, governed by and for its members. OWNZ is also now working in partnership with New Zealand Winegrowers, who provide collaboration and some funding support.
Any interested individual or company can become an OWNZ member. The majority of our 140 members are vineyards and wineries which are either fully practicing or exploring organic production. Benefits of membership include:
• an email group and website to exchange information, including online resources on organic growing practices, for members only
• newsletter with organic information and relevant news and events
• discounts on any fee-based OWNZ workshops and field days
• first priority for seminar registrations
• the opportunity to participate and shape a young and vibrant organisation to serve the needs of the growing community of organically minded grape and wine producers.
OWNZ Executive Committee 2010-11:
Chair: James Millton, Millton Vineyards and Winery Vice Chair: Colin Ross, Seresin Estate Treasurer: Gareth King, Felton Road Communications: Mandy Weaver, Churton Wines Research: Bart Arnst, Marlborough Organics / The Darling Education: Jonathan Hamlet, Villa Maria Estate
OWNZ Regional Representatives 2010-11:
Hawkes Bay: Jonathan Hamlet, Villa Maria Estate Wairarapa: Kaye McAulay, Vynfields Gisborne: James Millton, Millton Vineyards and Winery Nelson: Julian Coakley, Woollaston Estates Canterbury: Miranda Brown, Muddy Water Central Otago: Blair Deaker, Carrick Wines Marlborough: Ian Ewart, Villa Maria Estate Auckland: Terry Baines, Saltings Estate
To become a member, or for more information on OWNZ and its activities, please contact Rebecca Reider, OWNZ national coordinator, on organicrebecca@xtra.co.nz or +64 (0)27 359 4522.
