The annual wine festival organized by the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, also called the Kiwi Chamber, introduced Korean customers to a wide selection of wines from 25 top New Zealand wineries this year.
Attendees included diplomats, wine professionals, and local wine enthusiasts. In addition to wine tastings, the evening featured traditional Māori music and dance performances, as well as cuisine inspired by New Zealand flavors.
New Zealand Ambassador to Seoul Dawn Bennet highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two countries in her congratulatory remarks.
“New Zealand and Korea have a very strong relationship going back decades, all the way to the Korean War. Trade is a big part of that relationship,” Bennet said. “Korea is our sixth-largest trading partner, and wine plays a significant role in that exchange.”
She noted that this year’s festival also marked the 10th anniversary of the New Zealand–Korea Free Trade Agreement. “For fans of New Zealand wine, it’s a great chance to discover new varieties and labels,” she added.
Among the featured wineries was Mozzie Wines, one of the most popular wineries among Korean consumers. Founder Simon Ngārangi Walsh shared the brand’s story.
“The native people of New Zealand are Māori, and ‘Ozzie’ is slang for Australians,” he said. “One of my brothers is a winemaker in Australia, the other in New Zealand. I wanted a brand that reflects both, and that’s how Mozzie was born,” Walsh explained.
Walsh named Sauvignon Blanc as one of the most favored wines among Korean consumers. “It’s our top export and suits the Korean palate well, especially with seafood and light dishes,” he said. “Entry-level Sauvignon Blanc accounts for 60 percent of my sales.”
The wine festival is set to continue in the southern port city of Busan on May 24.
reporter
Im Yoon-seo
lyseo0330@ajupress.com
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