Highfield Media Releases

Award-winning Marlborough winery, Highfield Estate, has appointed Auckland-based Punchbowl Wines Limited as its new national distributor.

Punchbowl is now responsible for both on and off premise sales and distribution for Blenheim-based Highfield Estate.

Highfield Estate’s managing director, David Direen says the new distribution agreement caps off an exciting year for the winery. “We have had a fantastic year with our wines being enjoyed at the Oscars, on business class Air New Zealand flights and in some of the world’s top restaurants. In fact we recently became the first New Zealand winery to be listed on Finland’s leading restaurant, Chez Dominique.

“Our international success this year has been great but we are equally focused on assisting and supporting the New Zealand market - particularly during the coming busy summer period.”

Punchbowl’s owners, Josie Graham and Kylie Conning, are equally pleased to be working with Highfield Estate. Josie looks after on premise while Kylie works with off premise customers.

“Highfield Estate produces consistent and high quality wines which is particularly important in a restaurant, cafe and retail environment,” Graham says. “We are really pleased to be associated with Highfield Estate and look forward to having the opportunity to showcase their fantastic wine range to the market.”

Highfield Estate recently released its 2004 Highfield Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc which is one of eight wines it has entered into this year’s Air New Zealand Wine Awards.

Highfield Estate’s winemaker Alistair Soper has high hopes for his 2004 Sauvignon Blanc after the 2003 vintage won a gold medal at last year’s Air New Zealand Wine Awards and the Trophy Champion Commercial White Wine title.

It also collected gold medals at the 2004 Royal Easter Show, 2004 Riverside Wine Competition in California and the 2004 Christchurch Casino Sauvignon Blanc First Taste Awards where it was also awarded Supreme Trophy.