Perhaps that's because there are more than 30 small growers and 25 labels, and only a few larger producers, such as Black Ridge, Two Paddocks and Hinton.
However, according to Tracy Thomson, of Hinton Estate, the growers have banded together to form the Alexandra Basin Wine Growers, to raise the profile of the area both as a wine and a tourist destination this summer.
They plan to produce a brochure showing all the growers, many of whom do not have cellar doors but would welcome interested tasters. Signs announcing it as a wine region are planned for the three main highways into the basin.
The growers are organising an annual new-release event at Labour Weekend, at which interested tasters can talk to producers and taste the wines. It will complement the larger annual Easter Clyde Food and Wine festival which also showcases the region's wines. Many of the basin's wine are also available at Alexandra New World supermarket.
For more information on Alexandra Basin Wine Growers, contact Tracy Thomson, sales@hinton.co.nz.
