We were very focused, between the two of us. They see a larger organics business developing from the farm, including sales of grass-fed beef from their herd of Angus cattle. The Make It Amazing campaign does an excellent job of capturing the unique bond Kim Crawford shares with our devoted fans and validating to new consumers why it is a choice to be confident in. But Kim Crawford the man is forging new ground as winemaker for Loveblock Vintners, which he started with his wife, Erica. Hawkes Bay is in the North Island of New Zealand and is the countrys oldest wine region, dating back to 1851. Why Don Papa is the worlds fastest growing super-premium rum. We do things unconventionally, take risks, start things, and welcome difference these are just some of the reasons that the Kim Crawford brand has resonated over the years, Erica said. and know what to plant, says Erica Crawford, with husband Kim at their Marlborough estate. They dont have the wow factor, in my experience, but theyll always be good wines and thats why commercially theyre very sound.. Less than five years later, their aromatic wines were winning awards and popping up in stores across the United States. To capture the genuine affinity consumers have for Kim Crawford Wines, the brand partnered with visionary director Malik Sayeed, who has an impressive body of work celebrating women through past work on Beyoncs Lemonade visual album and Bumbles 2019 Super Bowl advertisement featuring Serena Williams. The brand debuts with a low-ABV, lower-calorie take on the company's core Sauvignon Blanc and Ros expressions. Weve seen a great response so far which is fantastic, we have some loyal customers who know the brand and want an alternative for different occasions. Kim Crawford has gained a cult following over its twenty-year history for its distinct taste, unwavering quality, and inclusive spirit, said Julie Rossman, Vice President of Marketing for Kim Crawford Wines. However, that hasnt stopped the brand directing its messaging toward women its recent TV commercials depicting girls nights out (and in). In any case. Their 23-year-old son, Rory, is an aspiring winemaker who, they insisted, must ply his trade outside the family business until he is 30; daughter Pia, 22, recently graduated from university with a science degree. Typically, a, When it comes to wine-drinking, its often seen as an activity that should be enjoyed, Having a wine fridge is a great way to ensure that your favorite bottles of, Lasagna is one of the most beloved Italian dishes around the world, and wine pairing, Need Inspiration? Yield is king in the wine business, both in terms of growing the grapes and the volume of wine produced, and so any yield loss because of an organic strategy is really challenging, notes Jordan. Please enjoy our wines responsibly. The brand keeps it simple in the naming department, too, labeling wines after their varieties: Kim Crawford Chardonnay, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, and so on. Although with simple labeling, you might be familiar with the brand as they have many TV commercials constantly running in the US. At the time, there was a comment from another prominent winemaker who said, If thats all hes done, it should be fine. There were a lot worse things going on than what we were doing. Kim Crawfords new Make It Amazing campaign brings the brands confident and contemporary voice to life, showcasing a diverse cast of women who embody Kim Crawfords positive, inclusive, and effortlessly dynamic personality. 2022 Kim Crawford Wines. New Zealand is famous for its sauvignon blanc, but the Crawfords didnt want another big, aromatic wine. The brand now produces seven different varieties in two of New Zealands most famous wine regions: Hawkes Bay, which is best known for its Chardonnay; and Marlborough, beloved for its Sauvignon Blanc. The harvest was 20% down on 2020, with Sauvignon Blanc the variety worst affected. The U.S. saw its first bottles of Kim Crawford Wines in 1998, two years after the companys founding. That embodies a much stronger and compelling story [than their original label], says viticulture consultant David Jordan. Before, we bought grapes from someone else, and we made the wines at someone elses winery. Kim Crawford wines capture the true aromas and flavors of New Zealand in each bottle. So the expression is quite different. But with the explosion of social media, its easy to slip up when your name is no longer just your own, but rather someone elses business. Betterment and lower-alcohol is so popular now, people generally are becoming more conscious of their health and alcohol consumption so we wanted to create something for people who love Kim Crawford but have a different occasion and consumption in mind, which is how the Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc was born. This is Kim Crawfords first marketing campaign since becoming the most advertised wine brand in 2018[iii] and is supported by a 360-degree integrated marketing plan including TV and digital advertising, social media content, dynamic displays at retail, strategic partnerships, consumer sampling, and experiential programming. The brand is currently marking its 25th birthday with a series of global celebrations, while the Crawfords have been raising a glass to the incredible memories theyve created along the way. Who was Long Duk Dongs girlfriend in Sixteen Candles? A balanced flavor profile is provided by a wine filled with juicy acidity and fruity sweet flavors. The Loveblock is closer to a pinot from Oregon or Californias Santa Barbara County. We want consumers to feel energized and excited about our versatile wines and hope that they serve as a catalyst for shared moments amongst friends.. No. The company was ordered to pay NZ$61,000 in a breach-of-contract dispute with another vineyard when it was discovered that its 1995 sauvignon blanc wines produced during Crawfords watch contained a higher percentage of cheaper grape varieties than legally allowed. Never, No, wine gums do not contain any actual wine. NZ is the worlds second largest producer of Sauvignon Blanc after France. A New Zealand national, Dave Edmonds has been producing wines for over 20 years and is as passionate about Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as the day he started. And, for those who want to take their wine on the go (or just want an even easier lift from the fridge), the brand also offers its Sauvignon Blanc in cans an ideal package for picnics and gatherings. That model is incredibly profitable, says Erica, but what will your point of difference be? No. The Kim Crawford brand now resides over almost 5,000 acres of land across New Zealand. This is not for money. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. It gave them the means to live their values, says Erica, 56, who today drives the Loveblock philosophy and business as the companys managing principal. 4.8 out of 5 stars. Kim Crawford Wines started out in a small Auckland cottage in New Zealand. While Erica Crawford says they always intended to build up, then sell the Crawford brand and neither regrets the deal it happened much sooner than they planned, and hindsight is a wonderful thing.. I did the only thing I knew how and said, Bring it on. Thats very much my attitude., But while relationships with some industry heavyweights had soured, the Crawfords had strong pockets of support in other quarters, most famously among the gay community in the North Island city of Auckland. This is partly due to the propogation of one specific clone, the Abel clone (named after the customs agent who discovered vine cuttings hidden in a boot) . Delivery Available. If I get home and want a glass of wine, this is my go-to wine, Crawford said. 237 Hammerichs Road RD3, Rapaura, Blenheim, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, Kim Crawford Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, Kim Crawford Rose, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, Kim Crawford SP Small Parcels 'SpitFire' Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, Kim Crawford Pinot Gris, Marlborough, New Zealand, Kim Crawford 'Wild Grace' Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand, Kim Crawford Illuminate Rose, New Zealand. Kim Crawford is part of a stable of New Zealand labels that Constellationthe largest exporter of New Zealand winesowns and exports to 75 countries. Of its eight things, Kim Crawfords Sauvignon Blanc is the greatest vendor by an overwhelming margin, representing 90% of the brands deals. They say they werent ever tempted to return to virtual winemaking with Loveblock; blending grapes from a variety of suppliers is now commonplace among brands. I think Im old enough now to do whatever I want, she said. All Kim Crawford wines have to bend off covers, making them simple to open while retaining its freshness. Old grapes and new appellations the wine world never stands still To see how Wine-Searcher uses average pricing and professional wine critic scores on this page, Its biggest overseas market is the U.S., which has developed a particular liking for the crisp, clean taste of Marlborough sauvignons. Barefoot Wine was purchased by E & J Gallo Winery in 2005. Add to Cart. Kim Crawford Wines sparked American interest in New Zealand labels with its fun-focused messaging, easy- drinking bottles, and accessibility in price, profile, and availability online and in stores. and consent to Kim Crawfords use of my personal information for marketing and analytics purposes, including receiving marketing and promotional communications. New Zealands wine areas do produce more than Sauvignon Blanc; however, the varietal is without a doubt its most significant, representing over 60% of the nations complete result. Fortunately, the quality of the vintage was exceptional and the longer-term outlook for supply is positive. We support the fight against underage drinking and drunk driving. The U.S. saw its most memorable containers of Kim Crawford Wines in 1998, two years after the organizations establishment. About Kim Crawford Wines. But yes, it is hard, believe me., Erica says she would never name a brand after a person again. Dont sweat it. A woman walks into a grocery store and picks up a bottle of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc before grabbing a pair of sunglasses from the display and strutting her stuff down the aisle. Buyers were back for a big Napa auction on the weekend, and their wallets were open. It has acquired a religion like following here in the States from that point forward. Our approach to this was to counter a market flooded with oak aged Chardonnay and the result was a truly unique expression of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that stood out compared to existing examples on the market at the time.. But here, you say, What on earth is that?. He joined the brand in 2005, working intimately with the organizer, Kim Crawford. --J.S.W. Kim Crawford was responsible for Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc. And its those under 30 who are particularly interested in that.. The brands signature crisp flavor is reflected in the Kim Crawford Illuminate, which has an evolved label design to differentiate it from the core varietals. November 2, 2020 Kim Crawford Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc and Ros. With Loveblock, however, organic farming constrains the nose, Crawford said, creating wine with a more restrained and elegant style. Loveblock Farm, the winerys anchor vineyard, is located in the hills of Awatere Valley in Marlborough, New Zealand. The vineyards of Kim Crawford are located in outstanding, predominantly coastal sites. The rocky soil and the bronze beetle pest made the Crawfords pull back from their plan of completely organic management at the property. Between the sale price and a performance-based earn-out that saw Kim staying on at Constellation until 2007 and Erica until 2009, the Crawfords netted roughly $50 million. There are predictions that New Zealand will not be able to satisfy forecast global demand for Sauvignon Blanc in 2022, due to an exceptionally small harvest this year. In the evenings, the temperature shifts. The region, situated at 41 latitude south on the north end of the South Island, is one of New Zealands sunniest and driest regions. This time around, we do the farming.. But should things go badly, it smears the brand.. Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. Its a high-value product, says Kim, 57, with an almost instantaneous return.. COLOR: Medium straw color AROMA: Lifted aromas of citrus and stone fruit with notes of tropical fruit and pineapple. There is a U.S. Representative named Andrew S. Clyde. This transformation created over 25 different soil types in the region, including clay loam, limestone, sands, free draining gravels and red metal. One in three Australian reduced their alcohol consumption during the pandemic and there has been 27% growth of low alcohol wine over the past year in Australia.. 30: https://youtu.be/ien8748Xk5k. While this may simply be due to the brands name being easier for Americans to pronounce than most other Kiwi brands Maori names, Crawford attributes the brands success with his decision not to sweeten the wines then a common practice among New Zealand wine brands attempting to accommodate Americans saccharine palates. Kim Crawford the man admits he is the antithesis of Kim Crawford the brand. The Army Air Corps (forerunner of the Air Force) and the Marines had no blacks enlisted in their ranks. Does that matter? In the end, it is this unique combination of factorsfrom regions and soils, to temperatures and growth ratesthat give Kim Crawford a perfect balance of fruit and acidity. I anticipated that the taste should be sweet, given the fragrance. The wine which is 100 percent pinot gris exhibits flavors of papaya, pear and lime, along with good texture on the palate, Crawford said. We started this dream from our home in Auckland, New Zealand and hoped it would succeed, Erica said. Warm, north-facing hillsides, river valleys and terraces, and coastal areas provide a range of low vigor vineyard sites suitable for a diversity of varieties. It was horrific. The wines consistent quality, distinct crisp flavor, and understated elegance exceed expectations and empower consumers with an effortless choice. with vibrant acidity. A lot has changed in the 24 years since Kim Crawford was founded. Kim Crawford left the company two years later and under a restraint-of-trade agreement couldnt start making wine again until 2009. 8 Best Wines with Lasagna Perfect Pairing Guide. Its boisterous and its big and its robust on the nose. Maverick was the whole brand. Now as Chief Winemaker, he is excited to leverage his wealth of experience on Kim Crawford in producing quality wines for the world to enjoy. The only thing we could do was to go underground and say, We will show you. We were fighting the industry establishment, the old blazers. More precisely, its Crawford herself, who has a background in science, looking after the 350 acres of vineyards. An intriguing lawsuit pits an opportunistic wine company against a Napa heavyweight. 1-Selling Sauvignon Blanc in U.S. Becomes the Official Wine of the US Open Tennis Championships in New, Multi-Year Agreement. We know which side our money is on. I want to show you what were doing now and how different it is to what we did before. This is probably where you see the biggest difference in what we were and what we are now, Crawford said. Who said we will not go quietly in the night? The brands founder and namesake left the company in 2007 after its acquisition by Constellation, exiting with a cool $50 million. The company is based in Marlborough, New Zealand, and produces wines from grapes grown in that region. Kim says the traditional taste of the Marlborough sauvignon blanc is different when it has an organics platform. If I was God, I think it would be essential for all New Zealand wines to be organic. I think the gewrztraminer can quite easily overpower pinot gris.. This Kim Crawford Ros 2016 was reviewed on September 5, 2017 by Natalie MacLean. Who was the only black actor on The Andy Griffith Show? 32 reviews. Soon after the sale to Vincor the couple bought the 100 hectares of land they now call Loveblock their organic vineyard in Marlboroughs Awatere Valley on the South Island of New Zealand. To learn more visit www.responsibility.org. Cambridge Wines. Only two years after launching, Kim Crawford wine began exporting to the United States. How much does it cost to get married at the courthouse in Kentucky? In fact, Kim Crawford was one of the first New Zealand producers to make an unoaked style of Chardonnay. Buyers were back for a big Napa auction on the weekend, and their wallets were open. Make It Amazing invites consumers to be their unapologetic, true selves to make any moment amazing. Kim Crawford is the number-one Sauvignon Blanc and New Zealand Wine brand in the United States (IRI, 2019). Ultimately, Anthony aims to let the original flavor of the grapes shine through in every glass of Kim Crawford. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc has become the benchmark Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand and has been named in the Wine Spectator Top 100 four times. Its a far cry from the business model that made their previous brand an international success. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. A lot has changed in the 24 years since Kim Crawford was founded. Whereas we went in with the standard wine which went around the world and it was completely different to what they were used to, so you had a point of difference.". So beloved is Sauvignon Blanc, its also the favorite Kim Crawford product by far: Of its eight products, Kim Crawfords Sauvignon Blanc is the biggest seller by a landslide, accounting for 90 percent of the brands overall sales. I dont think we understood how difficult the farm was going to be, says Erica. Month Day Year. Who is US Representative for Gainesville Georgia? However, she was determined that the Kim Crawford brand would not fail. Sauvignon blanc wines make up more than 85% of New Zealands total wine exports, which hit a record $1.2 billion in June. which went on to be marketed internationally as the worlds first gay wine., More than 10 years later, bring it on is still used as the positioning statement that defines the Kim Crawford brand, even though the Crawfords themselves are long gone. Kim Crawford Rose 4pk-250ml Cans. Building a vineyard from scratch is expensive and time-consuming, farming is all about managing risk, and organics are not generally known as a moneymaker. Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc has proven to be a major hit for New Zealand winemakers. Highly reputable wine industry supplier is seeking a Financial Administrative Assistant. Cannon became a father of 12 after Alyssa Scott gave birth to their baby girl, named Halo Marie. Shop $ 9.99 $ 19.98 / 750ml. 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. What happens when your name is your brand, and then you sell it? With more than 90 hectares of their land holdings planted, the Crawfords now number among the top 10% of the countrys largest vineyard owners. Pick Up In stock. Learn how your comment data is processed. This is 'The Faces Behind Your Wine.' #TFBYW. Kim Crawford Winery this month will soft-launch its new lower-cal wine line, Kim Crawford Illuminate. Clear cool nights from ocean breezes keep acid levels high in the grapes. It was an innovative approach at the time, with Kima well-known local winemakerbuying grapes from contract growers and making wine in leased facilities, allowing them to avoid huge outlays for land, vines and equipment. Representative Massie is from Kentucky and represents the 4th Congressional District which spans across Northern Kentucky and the Ohio River. Established in 1996, Kim Crawford Wines sparked American interest in New Zealand labels with its fun-focused messaging, easy-drinking bottles, and accessibility in price, profile, and availability online and in stores. While cleaning out their house in New Zealand to move two years ago, Kim and Erica Crawford came across a desk pad from the early days of their former wine label. 26 Feb Feb EOD Drinks With Erica and Kim Crawford, Founder and Winemaker of Loveblock. Land in smaller and cooler Awatere Valley is cheaper. I was happier dealing with one person [Vincor] rather than five., Constellation Brands, the worlds largest wine company, bought Vincor for $1.3 billion in 2006. The wines are also available at Costco, as well as Trader Joes, to the delight of many VinePair readers. When youve sold your name for close to 60 million New Zealand dollars ($49.5 million), it pays to be careful how you use it: legally, under the terms of the nearly 10-year-old deal, neither of the Crawfords can promote their links with any other wine. Back in 1996, when Kim and Erica started Kim Crawford Wines, they had plenty of vision but no money, so they built a virtual winery out of the back room of their Auckland home. This is just asking you to come into its loving arms., Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. You might want to buy a vineyard, but its very difficult.. The brand has also developed the Illuminate Sauvignon Blanc, a low calorie, low alcohol, white wine option. The grapes that we select are grown in vineyards scattered among the stunning vistas and coastlines of New Zealand. Kim Crawford Lemon Iced Tea Wine Spritz 4pk-355ml Be the first to review. But we now have infrastructure and know what to plant. So far the Crawfords have put around $8 million into Loveblock, and despite the slow return on investment, the label has grown enough to reach a tipping point. That represents 25% of the New Zealand wine category. And, though the Open was closed to spectators in 2020, fans were encouraged to watch from home and make froz with Kim Crawford ros. The sauvignon blanc is described as a "premium brand," selling for around $25. [iii] Nielsen Ad Intel, Total Media SOV Q1-Q4 2017 / Q1-Q4 2018. Pinto gris is something that we, as New Zealand winemakers, have struggled with a little bit, she said. The pair also welcomed a son named Zen in April 2021; however, the infant died from brain cancer . Pair it with a light summer salad, lemon chicken, fresh oysters, shrimp cocktail, or drink it for every summer occasion. The brand currently creates seven unique assortments in two of New Zealands most famous wine districts: Hawkes Bay, most popular for its Chardonnay, and Marlborough, adored for its Sauvignon Blanc. And yet, ironically, a scandal that came closest to derailing the Crawford brand soon after its launch was also responsible for defining its wildly successful essence. On it they had mapped out their future: Grow the brand, sell it within nine years and then buy land. To give you the best search experience, we use cookies for remembering your search filters, personalizing content, and analyzing how the website is used. You have entered an incorrect email address! Loveblock is now a prominent name across markets in Australia, Canada, the UK and Japan. And that training in science, she believes, came in handy when she was marketing what would become the first Kiwi brand. The winemaker is Anthony Walkenhorst. You must be of legal drinking age to enter this site. All Kim Crawford wines have twist-off caps, making them easy to open while maintaining freshness. Why Marlborough? Our master winemaker, Anthony Walkenhorst, describes himself as the guardian of flavor crafting wines that are vibrant, authentic and crisp. Its no secret that Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc is one of New Zealands most successful wines. This blog is for everybody that wants to know more about celebrities. Believe it or not, Sauvignon Blanc may be the most exciting varietal wine coming out of California today.  When it comes to Champagne, we all too often leave the realm of mere mortals and dive into the world of the super-rich. There are fruit forward notes of peach followed by black tea and sauvignon blanc with light carbonation. Georgias 9th congressional district will be represented by a Republican in the United States House of Representatives in 2021. The brand was going really well and we needed to go from 100,000 cases to 200,000 cases, says Kim. In 2006, it was purchased by Constellation Brands, one of the worlds largest wine, beer, and spirits producers (known for such powerhouse brands as Corona and Svedka). Kim and Erica took a novel path, but it enabled them to fund their dream, and thats to have all the elements, the personality of the brand and control over the way the raw product, the grapes, are grown. This is a diverse role and offers and excellent team TCW Equipment is an expanding company based out of Santa Rosa, CA. The name Kim Crawford is a familiar one for many wine drinkers. Expanding the estate is all about the kids. Best 50 Wines Announced at Worlds Biggest Wine Awards. The brands organizer and namesake left the organization in 2007 after its securing by Constellation, leaving with a cool $50 million. It comes at you, right? Its good to break even and to be a base for the brand, says Erica. Made from New Zealand grapes, these wines are lighter in style at 7% ABV, and 70 calories per glass. This is in line with recent consumer trends torwards lower-ABV, less-alcohol, better-for . He adds: "American wine generally is over-valued; if you put a New Zealand wine at $15 against a U.S. equivalent, we slaughter them.Today, Kim Crawford is the biggest-selling New Zealand brand by value in the United States (IRI, quarter ending December 2, 2012). Early on November 1, New Zealander Erica Crawford enthusiastically tweets her Twitter followers, telling them that today, at last, is bottling day for the new organic Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc. Also, check other great Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Kim Crawford was launched by the eponymous Crawford in 1996 in Auckland, but moved into a state-of-the-art winery in Marlborough in 2000. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time. Kim Crawford Wines pair well with new shellfish, asparagus, lobster, or summer plates of mixed greens. A small pinot noir vineyard is located in Central Otago. Kim Crawford and his wife are the owners of Loveblock, a boutique winery in the Awatere. They went shopping after their sale, upping their holdings to about 215 hectares, which included 160 hectares of undeveloped hillside and adjoining land in Marlboroughs Awatere Valley that is now home to the Loveblock brand. A ton has changed in the long time since Kim Crawford was established. Anthony has been influenced by New Zealands unique natural beauty and uses it to inspire wines with robust, fruit-driven flavors that accentuate a gentle and natural character. Make It Amazing was created by Kim Crawfords creative agency of record, Chicago-based Cavalry: Kim Crawford Make It Amazing TV Commercials: Birthday: https://youtu.be/hBnoFN_EgGo