A spike in drinking at home has helped lift the value of New Zealand wine exports to $2 billion for the first time, the latest figures from New Zealand Winegrowers show. Ten years ago, the industry body predicted wine exports would double and reach $2 billion in 2020. Data for the 12 months to October 2020, shows the forecast was on the money – despite sometimes challenging vintages, recessions, and the current Covid-19 pandemic. NZ Winegrowers chairman Clive Jones said the milestone reinforced New Zealand’s reputation for distinct, premium and sustainable wines.Exports for the first four months of the new export ... (full story)