A Chinese delegation of six from Ningxia met with representatives from the New Zealand Wine Centre to discuss mutual opportunities for talent exchange, international education, wine consultancy, technology, and agritech.
A Chinese delegation of six from Ningxia reconnect with their sister region of Marlborough at the New Zealand Wine Centre.
The visit was an opportunity to reconnect with Marlborough’s sister region of Ningxia and to reinvigorate the relationship following the Covid pandemic .
The guests received a guided tour through the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) Research Winery led by Ngarita Warden, Research Winemaker at BRI.
The BRI winery’s solar panels, and rainwater systems and minimal use of chemicals contribute to its 5 Green Star rating. “We use rainwater, and as few chemicals as necessary so that we don’t introduce chemicals into the waterways,” Ngarita explained to the delegation.
The winery features VinWizard winery automation technology-designed by Marlborough based Wine Technology International Ltd. Bob Richards, Chief Operating Officer, introduced the system which has also been installed at wineries in the Ningxia province.
Viscosity winemaker and consultant David Tyney (left) and Bob Richards, Chief Operating Officer, Wine Technology International Ltd (right) with VinWizard winery automation technology.
In an exchange, the visitors shared a promotional video showcasing the Ningxia wine industry advancements.
“There has been an impressive development in the past 10 years, Viscosity winemaker and consultant David Tyney says. “The first stage focused on growing grapes. The second stage to make even better wine was about to happen.” Dave Tyney frequently visited Ningxia prior to Covid.
Looking to the future, the delegation watched with interest a preview of the Experimental Future Vineyard (EFV) innovation. Operated by Plant & Food Research, the EFV will support productivity and quality aspirations to enhance profitability of the New Zealand wine sector.
Dr Damian Martin, Plant & Food Research Group Leader for Viticulture & Oenology told the visitors “In Marlborough and Ningxia, we are not constrained by regulation like traditional wine making regions. We can create our own growing systems. We know a lot about above ground grapevine management, but far less about what is happening in the soil. The new facility will allow us to understand above and below ground effects on vineyard ecosystems.”
On the back of the sister city relationship NMIT Te Pūkenga has been working with three institutes in and around Yinchuan, the main city in Ningxia. John Inglis, Marketing Manager & Dean of International Curriculum spent most of April in China meeting institutes after a 3 ½ year hiatus.
“NMIT Te Pūkenga plans to deliver a course at the Ningxia University Wine School in September this year,” says John. “Ningxia University Wine School students will study 3 years in Yinchuan and travel to Marlborough for the final year of the Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Making.”
Ms Shi Dai (right) gifts the NZ Wine Centre a beautiful stone made from the Helan Mountain.
The Chinese delegation was led by Ms Shi Dai, Member of the standing committee & Director-General of organisation department of the CPC Ningxia committee. She gifted the NZ Wine Centre a beautiful stone made from the Helan Mountain.