Disney picks up NZ wines

Steve Bird, owner of Steve Bird Winery & Vineyards, is celebrating his Disney coup. Photo / Supplied

Winemaker Steve Bird has had his wish upon a star granted with two wines selected by Walt Disney World for its 2011 core wine list.

The two signature wines - 2008 Bird Sauvignon Blanc and 2008 Bird Big Barrel Pinot Noir - are to be stocked in the majority of restaurants and bars from next month at Disneyland in Los Angeles and Disneyworld in Florida.

Bird is the owner of Steve Bird Winery & Vineyards, which has a head office in Tauranga and a vineyard and winery in Marlborough.

"It's fantastic news because millions of tourists from around the world visit the theme parks every year, so the exposure for Bird Wines will be phenomenal," he said.

"Our export market is rapidly expanding and we are now gaining a genuine international following."

The pinot noir wine is produced using Vernou Roll Fermentation, in which 900-litre oak barrels are gently rolled by hand during fermentation to ensure delicate flavours and aromas are preserved.