Dolphin wine
Message in a bottle
New Zealanders' passion for saving endangered Hector's dolphins found a novel expression in 2009. Message in a Bottle — a unique and tasty initiative — showed how one Central Otago community came together to support the conservation of a species.
In March of that year, the wine-making community and residents of Central Otago donated three tonnes of pinot gris grapes grown in Bannockburn and Tarras to WWF-New Zealand, along with their skills and expertise to turn the grapes into a limited reserve wine to benefit Hector’s dolphins.
You can watch how the story unfolded on Campbell Live.
In March of that year, the wine-making community and residents of Central Otago donated three tonnes of pinot gris grapes grown in Bannockburn and Tarras to WWF-New Zealand, along with their skills and expertise to turn the grapes into a limited reserve wine to benefit Hector’s dolphins.
You can watch how the story unfolded on Campbell Live.
Gemma McGrath, WWF's Hector's Dolphin Community Coordinator, with Message in a Bottle straight off the production line.
Far from the sea…
With the community located in the heart of Central Otago, about as far away from the coast as you can get in New Zealand, their generosity really showed how New Zealanders everywhere have taken the plight of Hector’s dolphins to their hearts.
WWF’s Hector’s Dolphin Community Coordinator at the time, Gemma McGrath, was the driving force behind the project. Gemma was amazed at the community support for this project. "It has set off a domino effect," she said. "Everyone has offered what they do best – from the grape growers, to the winemaker, to the bottling company, and long-time supporter Bannockburn Hotel."
WWF’s Hector’s Dolphin Community Coordinator at the time, Gemma McGrath, was the driving force behind the project. Gemma was amazed at the community support for this project. "It has set off a domino effect," she said. "Everyone has offered what they do best – from the grape growers, to the winemaker, to the bottling company, and long-time supporter Bannockburn Hotel."
Local people picking the pinot gris grapes, Central Otago.
The message
Along with raising vital funds for WWF’s Hector’s and Maui’s dolphin conservation programme, Gemma said Message in a Bottle would also raise people’s awareness about this important New Zealand cause. Bottles of the limited reserve wine were sold from Olssens' Garden Vineyard. Funds raised went directly to WWF's campaign to save the endangered Hector's and Maui's dolphins. WWF gratefully acknowledges the community of Bannockburn and all of the sponsers for donating their time and services.
WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Gemma McGrathMessage in a Bottle
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Bannockburn Hotel -
WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Carter & Associateswww.carter.co.nz
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Clutha Ridgewww.clutharidge.co.nz
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Gemrock -
WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Guala Closures Groupwww.gualaclosures.com
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Jono Morewww.moretikouka.com
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Olssenswww.olssens.co.nz
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Rapid Labelswww.rapidlabels.co.nz
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WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Smiths Gully -
WWF thanks the following businesses for their support
© Vinprowww.vinpro.co.nz
Bannockburn community in Central Otago rallied together to produce Message in a Bottle - a wine to help WWF protect endangered Hector's dolphins.
Bannockburn Hotel
Carter & Associates
Clutha Ridge Central Otago
Gemrock design
Guala Closures Group
Jono More
Olssens Vineyard
Rapid Labels
Smiths Gully Quartzville
Vinpro Winery
Carter & Associates
Clutha Ridge Central Otago
Gemrock design
Guala Closures Group
Jono More
Olssens Vineyard
Rapid Labels
Smiths Gully Quartzville
Vinpro Winery