New Zealand wine giant Montana has signed a distribution agreement with Central Otago's boutique winery, Gibbston Valley Wines.
Montana will distribute about 4000 cases of Gibbston Valley wines, mainly 2001 Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, in Australia and New Zealand in the next 12 months. Distribution will start immediately in Australia and in New Zealand from 1 July.
Montana international sales manager Ian Hill said Gibbston Valley Wines would work closely with Montana’s Church Road vineyard in Hawke’s Bay and Brancott winery in Marlborough. Wine and marketing expertise will be shared by the two companies.
The deal was signed for three years but will be renewed automatically for another three years, said Gibbston Valley Wines sale executive, Claudio Heye.
Negotiations between Montana and Gibbston Valley Wines began early this year when Gibbston failed to achieve a strong presence in the Australian market.
Written by Decanter staff, and agencies1 May 2002
