Bannockburn’s Felton Road Vineyard is no longer supplying wine to Russia.

Winemaker Blair Walter said the company was no longer supplying its product to Russia in response to the nation's invasion of Ukraine.

Russian forces have attacked Kyiv and other cities with artillery and cruise missiles, causing hundreds of thousands of Ukranians to flee towards the European Union.

Many others have stayed in Ukraine to defend their nation.

Blair said he had been in contact with Felton Road Vineyard's Ukranian importer yesterday to check in with them.

“Other European wineries are providing help, giving shipping addresses in neighbouring Poland and then sending out on behalf of our Ukrainian importer.

“They’re better placed to be able to assist as they’re that much closer."

Blair said Felton Road Vineyard has also removed Russia from the map on its website, which shows where it distributes its product to across the globe.

Despite withdrawing product from Russia, he said Felton Road’s export market was still strong.

He said the mix of sales to off-license and on-license was different due to Covid-19 impacting hospitality businesses around the globe.

“Our cellar door is down to about 10% of what it would normally be.

"Our mail order and online are both going well, we are really fortunate.”

The future for the industry in Bannockburn looks assured as the region has just been recognised as a geographical indication (GI) for winemaking.

This is similar to a trademark for the Bannockburn name - it means no one can pass off their wine as being from the region.

To use Bannockburn the grapes must come from a defined area and 85% or more grapes from the area must be used in the wine.

Blair said to register Bannockburn, 29 local vineyard owners produced a detailed map and specific information including climate, soil, history of the region, significant varities and evidence of use of Bannockburn on wine labels (which first occurred in 1995), to support their application for recognition of the area.   

Of the 2000 hectares planted in vines in Central Otago, 345 are in Bannockburn and Felton Road has 10% of that across four vineyards.

Blair said the detailed map, which was popular with wine enthusiasts, would be updated every three years – the next update is due later this year. 

Central Otago Winegrowers General Manager Jake Tipler said although the Central Otago brand name would always be first and foremost for the region, there has always been a concern that sub-regions may also be exposed to misrepresentation.

“Our sub-regions add complexity and nuance to the Central Otago wine story and we are very keen to see the heritage and uniqueness of these regions protected for the future. 

“Bannockburn will now have a higher level of protection both here and internationally and this registration helps to create a pathway for other Central Otago sub-regions to register their GIs as well.”

In 2006 the Geographical Indications (GI) (Wine and Spirits) Registration Amendment Bill was passed by New Zealand’s parliament.

It was a significant step forward, enabling the wine industry to provide an international safeguard for New Zealand’s geographic names.

The registration process is overseen by the New Zealand Intellectual Property Office. 

Felton Road and other winegrowers are now getting ready for the annual harvest, which starts in about three weeks.

There are still employment opportunities for anyone looking for work.

Blair said he loved having locals help with the harvest, as they often come back year after year.

“I know other Bannockburn vineyards are still looking for people too."

Map of the Bannockburn wine making region.