A virtually perfect Sauvignon Blanc Day.
PRESS RELEASE 24/04/20
Sauvignon Blanc Day is a perfect chance to connect with wine lovers around the world, in a hashtag hoorah for the people, places and stories of this remarkable variety.
Marlborough will help lead the charge in the May 1 celebrations - #sauvblancday - by shining light on the variety that made the region famous 35 years ago, and has kept the wine world enthralled ever since.
Wine Marlborough’s general manager Marcus Pickens says the impact of Covid-19 on the world makes it more important than ever to embrace the positive things in life, including Sauvignon Blanc.
“Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a social extrovert, announcing itself with an exuberant aroma, then holding the audience’s attention with every bright sip. On Sauvignon Blanc Day, the world will celebrate that gregarious nature with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, while sharing their stories online.”
This year’s event will be totally virtual and Marcus encourages lovers of wine, including those in the industry, to celebrate together - while apart - by sharing a glass of Sauvignon Blanc with the world via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other platforms.
“We are hoping everyone will embrace Sauvignon Blanc Day as a virtual event this year,” he says. “It’s a great way for the Marlborough wine community to reconnect after a busy harvest, and the rest of the world to share their thoughts on what is so very special about Sauvignon Blanc.”
Marcus hopes people will also raise a glass to those in the hospitality industry so impacted by global lockdowns. “Many of them have made Sauvignon Blanc Day so memorable in the past, and I hope they’ll all join us online this year, and in person as soon as possible.”
Sauvignon Blanc day began more than 10 years ago in the Napa Valley, then had humble beginnings in Marlborough, with a few winemakers, marketers and enthusiasts getting together at Wine Marlborough to share a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, recalls Marcus.
“It coincided with the emergence of social media, and platforms such as Twitter were used to send out the message – people started tweeting about Sauvignon Blanc to the world.”
Over the years, the Marlborough event has morphed into a fun and social get together at various locations, including wineries, cellar doors, restaurants, wine bars and wine shops, with the emphasis on trying different Sauvignon Blancs, and sharing the message about excellence in wine.
Felicity Turner, from New Zealand Winegrowers, says Sauvignon Blanc Day is an opportunity for the whole world to celebrate, and being physically apart won’t make any difference.
“It is in essence a virtual celebration as it is a global event, so we will be having a big online campaign and encouraging people to have their glass of Sauvignon Blanc at home,” she says. “These days many people are engaging online and by its very nature Sauvignon Blanc brings people together. It’s something you want to share with people and we encourage people to do that online – share a photo of your favourite Sauvignon Blanc and what you are pairing it with.”
New Zealand Winegrowers is using the special day bring the world’s attention to Sauvignon Blanc. “We are getting our story out there to optimistic markets such as Canada and inviting them to look ahead to the future,” Felicity says. “We hope everyone will join in and make Sauvignon Blanc Day this year a great one.”
Share your uniquely Marlborough stories online using #sauvblancday #winemarlborough and #nzwine and check out www.sauvblancday.nz
ENDS
For any further information or media enquiries please contact Marcus Pickens, General Manager, Wine Marlborough. Phone +64 21 831 820 email: marcus@winemarlborough.nz.
