Despite the New Zealand wine industry going through its toughest time to date, three new producers are having a dream run. Joelle Thomson finds out the secrets to their success
Frizzell wines
What's the inspiration?
Dick Frizzell: When we launched the wines, I was doing big text paintings, made up of a collage of words, so I based the design on that. Collectively we decided to take the idea further to illustrate Rod McDonald's tasting notes.
What inspired you to make wine?
I've always loved it, then we moved to Hawkes Bay and it seemed possible to do it.
How do you incorporate labelling requirements?
The front label information is on the back and the back label tasting notes are on the front. Our wines sit backwards on shelf.
Who chose colours and design?
I did all of that.
How important was finding a good winemaker to back up the design with quality in the bottle?
I wouldn't have proceeded without Rod. This is one of those magic coming together of ideas.
How many wines do you make?
We have eight or nine; not all from Hawkes Bay. The sauvignon blanc has to come from down the line (Marlborough) to be credible. And we have pinot gris from Marlborough and pinot noir from Central Otago.
What's the key to marketing?
I think being accessible has a huge amount to do with it. And publicity seeks me out.
What other wines are you planning?
We're working on our reserve chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon merlot.
How much have first-year sales surprised you?
I was amazed to discover we're ahead of where we thought we'd be. I don't have a background in business, so I am very excited.
Soho Wine co
What's the inspiration behind your wine design?
Rachael Carter: The name Soho was chosen to represent the entertainment capitals of the world. To me, wine is about passion and entertainment.
What inspired you to make wine?
My father John Carter created the first company in New Zealand to supply winemakers with everything to make and package wine. From there, I branched out into the screwcap market. My manufacturing plant had a 96 per cent market share before I sold it in July 2008. I had a great insight into wine branding, and access to top winemakers.
Who chose the colours and overall design?
I did. My graphic designer and cousin, Rebecca Fitzgibbon, did the final touches.
How important was finding a good winemaker to back up the design?
Incredibly important. Our pinot noir is made by the godfather of New Zealand pinot noir, Grant Taylor. Our Marlborough sauvignon blanc, pinot gris and pinot noir are made by the young, but very experienced, Dave Clouston. Our Waiheke Island winemaker, Pete Turner, has created a Bordeaux-blend red, a syrah, chardonnay and a rose, made at Pleasant Valley wines.
What other wines do you plan to make?
We have a champagne coming.
&Co wines
Where does the name come from?
Gabrielle Simmers: I fell in love with the ampersand and the "&Co" idea came from a prohibition-style bar I visited in New York last year.
What inspired the look?
I never liked the look of screwcaps so I sourced caps from France which are used in champagne maturation and determined the bottle shape I chose. Its design has caught the eye of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art which has requested a bottle for an exhibition.
Who designed the labels and chose the colours and design?
I came up with the look and designed it with our friend, Martin Poppelwell, who also oversees creative work on our sister brands, Esther Diamond and Millar Road. He has a natural instinct for design.
What's the key to marketing a new product?
The product has to be good. The packaging is interesting to me because it forces people to ask: "Do I actually like what is inside this bottle?" Thankfully, people seem to!
What other wines are you planning?
I will only produce one &Co wine. We have a very small block of pinot gris, which I will experiment with. If it works, we will co-ferment it with sauvignon blanc.
What is your winemaking ethos and where do you make the wine?
I like to use traditional winemaking methods and let the grapes express the site on which they grow. This means little intervention.
