Dr Damian Martin, Plant and Food Research explains the giant planter pods to be used at the Experimental Future Vineyard to MPs Todd McClay and Stuart Smith.

This week we had the honour of hosting Todd McClay, MP, Minister of Agriculture, as well as a delegation that included Carolien Vis, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Frazer MacDiarmid, Lead Adviser, Trade Policy, British High Commission and Stuart Smith, MP for Kaikōura.

The delegation was here to support WinePro – a three day conference and exhibition celebrating the international wine industry at the home of New Zealand wine, Marlborough.

Todd McClay, Minister for Agriculture, opens WinePRO with Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor and Dr Peter Meihana, Rangitane and Massey University.

After opening the event, and touring the 100 exhibits, we had the pleasure of hosting the delegation at the New Zealand Wine Centre.

The delegation takes a glimpse at the BRI Research Winery, led by Ngarita Warden, BRI’s Research Winemaker.

The group toured the facilities, visiting the Bragato Research Institute (BRI) Research Winery and getting a glimpse of the Experimental Future Vineyard, which will officially be opened in July.