The organisation is to host a tasting in London on the day, and has launched a trade-only competition to win a trip to New Zealand.
The tasting, which will showcase more than 100 examples of the wine from across New Zealand, will highlight the “breadth and diversity” of the country’s flagship variety, the trade body said.
Michelin-starred chef Roger Jones will be on hand to match the wine with a number of dishes. Jones is the owner of restaurant the Harrow at Little Bedwyn, in Wiltshire.
The competition prize is a trip for two UK trade members to attend the inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration, which is to be held in Marlborough, New Zealand, in February 2016.
Engaging promotion
It is open to any pub or bar that promotes New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the “most engaging and innovative way” to their customers.
There are no guidelines, other than that the activity must also include Sauvignon Blanc Day and there should be a strong element of social media to raise awareness.
Sauvignon Blanc is the number one grape variety in the UK, with a 10% share (Nielsen Scantrack – data to 3 January 2015). New Zealand represents 38% share of the UK Sauvignon Blanc market and growing at +10% (Nielsen).
Featuring Sauvignon Blanc producers from around the world, the International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration will feature speakers from an array of sectors including science, entertainment, hospitality and journalism.
Famous grape
Chris Stroud, marketing manager for New Zealand Winegrowers Europe, said: “Sauvignon Blanc is one of New Zealand’s greatest stories and we are delighted to be hosting a celebration of our famous grape next year in Marlborough.
“This competition is designed to get the trade engaged and excited to create some buzz around New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.”
In addition to the London tasting, New Zealand Winegrowers will be hosting lunches, tastings and events in Melbourne, Hong Kong, Germany, Toronto, New York and San Francisco.