New Zealand wine exports increased by 10 per cent in both volume and value to a record $1.33 billion in the year to June, New Zealand Winegrowers said in its annual report.
NZ Winegrowers chairman Steve Green said the highly successful sales year left stocks needing replenishment.
All grape growing regions witnessed a "two-speed" growing season which started early but slowed in the lead-up to vintage, with a run of fine but cool weather in most regions allowing for good flavour development.
"The 2014 harvest may seem like a drop in the ocean compared to major producers, but it was a record for New Zealand and signals the drive for export growth in the year ahead," Green said.
More than 80 per cent of NZ Winegrowers' members indicated a positive outlook for their businesses for the year ahead and the industry's confidence had been demonstrated by a lift in vineyard and infrastructure development over the past 12 months, he said.
