Published on : Tuesday, October 9, 2018
“Our vision in founding a wine company was to have a platform to share our culture, story and values with the world,” says Wakatū chairman Paul Morgan. “From the beginning, we knew how important our brand and story were.”
Every Tohu bottle carries a distinctive logo, based on the koru pattern – a distinctive representation of the unfurling frond of a fern.
“For Māori, the koru symbolises growth, life and the natural world, and our logo celebrates this iconic spiral. It represents the growth of our company and the journey of our people from the past to today. This koru signifies our long-term intergenerational goals and has become our tohu, our signature,” Morgan says.
Since 2002 Tohu Wines has been growing its own grapes, and since 2012, has been crafting wine in its own winery. Tohu Wines is part of Kono, the food and beverage arm of Wakatū.
“We are proud that we can take our own grapes all the way from vineyards, to the winery, all the way to our consumers’ hands,” Kono CEO Rachel Taulelei says.
“Through Tohu Wines we get to take kaupapa Māori to the world every day. We strive to work in ways that are kind to people and environment without compromising quality and integrity. We have a strong spiritual connection with the land and a responsibility to pass it on in good health to future generations.”
“Over the last 20 years, we have created internationally acclaimed wines, crafting wine that encapsulates a place and time, and reflects the unique characteristics of our vineyards. In making our wine we are committed to upholding our deeply held values, which include rangatiratanga, manaakitanga and hihiritanga – excellence, kindness and innovation,” Ms Taulelei says.
The 20-year milestone offered the opportunity to reflect on achievements and to acknowledge those who had have been part of the history and success, Mr. Morgansaid.
“We are thankful to all those who have worked tirelessly to take Tohu Wines from its humble beginnings through its current status as an internationally recognised and award-winning wine label.“
Thanks to farsighted pioneers such as James Wheeler and Mugwi Macdonald, Tohu was a relatively early entrant in an industry that has become one of New Zealand’s top export earners. Tohu wines are exported and enjoyed by people all over the world, with significant markets in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.
As part of the 20-year celebrations, Tohu is releasing a limited edition Methodé Traditionelle Rewa Rosé 2015 at a special launch event in October. “We wanted to create something really special to celebrate this significant anniversary. Our sparkling rosé is crafted solely from pinot noir. It’s an elegant yet complex wine with bright berry aromas and brioche notes,” Tohu chief winemaker Bruce Taylor says.
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