Key facts
Programme start: March 2014
Length: 7 years
PGP funding: $8.13 million
Industry funding: $8.84 million
Crown funding paid out to programme for work done to 30 June 2019: $6,860,308
Commercial partners: NZ Winegrowers and 18 contributing wineries
Estimated potential economic benefits to NZ: The programme aimed to deliver economic benefits of $285 million per annum by the end of 2023.
Programme outcomes
Programme evaluation
Evaluation of the Primary Growth Partnership Lighter Wines Programme – 1 December 2022 [PDF, 1.4 MB]
Outcome logic model
Outcome logic for Lifestyle Wines programme – September 2014 [PDF, 571 KB]
Final programme report
Lighter Wines – Final programme report [PDF, 4.4 MB]
Background to the programme
The challenge
The challenge is not just producing high quality lighter wines but producing them naturally, giving New Zealand a point of difference and making New Zealand the “go to” country for high quality, lighter wines.
The solution
This programme aims to capitalise on market-led opportunities domestically and internationally, using applied research and development to provide innovative solutions.
The research will focus on natural production using sustainable viticulture techniques and native yeasts unique to New Zealand, giving wineries a point of difference to existing processing methods and other products on the market.
The programme will develop a number of viticulture and winery tools that will enable the industry to service the rapidly growing market for lighter wines with high quality, naturally-produced options.
Programme outcomes
- Strong market opportunities for premium Lighter Wines have been identified from market research completed in target markets and the domestic market.
- Sensory profiling of lighter wines has shown it is possible to create wines with similar characteristics of full strength wines. The role of alcohol in the sensory properties of wines is now well understood.
- Conceptual framework developed of how consumers respond to non-sensory characteristics of New Zealand Lighter Wines.
- Differences in fermentation characteristics of selected yeasts having been observed and investigations are progressing.
- Vine canopy trimming has showed the potential to continue flavour development of Sauvignon blanc with reduced sugar levels, lower acid and lower alcohols in the resultant wines.
- Three annual workshops and a series of field days for commercial partners (Grantors) have been held and well received.
- Marketing workshops held with representatives of the commercial partners (Grantors) to help guide the marketing strategy for the programme.
- A number of articles published by New Zealand Winegrower magazine.
- A number of medals awarded to Lighter Wines produced by Grantors as part of the 2016 vintage:
- 13 at the New Zealand International Wineshow
- 11 at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards
- 17 in the New World Wine Awards.
- Two awards received by Grantors at the New Zealand Food Awards:
- VNO Lighter range (Constellation Brands) – Business Innovation Award
- Villa Maria Lighter Rose – Beverage Award
Audit and progress report
Assurance on Lifestyle Wines use of funding [PDF, 672 KB]
Lighter Wines progress review report [PDF, 909 KB]
Achievements for the 2017/18 financial year
- The programme has continued to undertake and complete research into the production and markets of lighter wines, with over 150 research papers and reports completed to-date.
- The quality of the lighter wines produced has continued to improve, with a number of lighter wines again receiving medals in the lower-alcohol and open categories of competitions.
- The NZ Lighter brand and promotional collateral has been developed and launched. This has also seen the establishment of the NZ Lighter website and social media channels
- Market research and monitoring of export markets continues to show significant and growing consumer demand for lighter wines in a number of markets. Engagement with retailers in the key export markets has supported a doubling in the number of lighter wines listed in export markets. Activity is now underway to promote the category under the NZ Lighter brand.
