d plant vines for wine making. Throughout the 1800s many of these immigrants started vineyards, from Otago to Northland. Hawke's Bay and the Wairarapa. The industry received a boost when Romeo Bragato, an Italian viticulturist, visited New Zealand and was impressed by the potential of the country. Following his visit the first wine growing organisations were set up, the "Central Otago Vine and Fruit growers' association." and also the "North Auckland Vine growers Association". He also helped form the first instance of Research and Development in the industry through the partially government funded research vineyard at Te Kauwhata in 18972. Following the excitement and enthusiasm after Bragato's visit the industry entered a dark age. WWI, the depression, the prohibition movement and then WWII all helped to virtually destroy any semblance of a wine industry in New Zealand.
             It wasn't until the 1960s that wine production picked up again and the first significant exports were made, reaching $41,000 by 1970 . This decade saw many amalgamations and partnerships of wineries, as growers tried to become stronger and more competitive, by combining skills and resources. This industry restructuring saw the emergence of major wine companies in the 70s, such as Montana, Corban's, Vidal estate, Cook's and many others.
             The industry grew fast, over three hundred and fifty percent over the decade3, regulations were brought in by the government for quality control and export regulation; these included the Winemaker's Act of 1981 and export certification.
             The industry was growing rapidly but most vines being planted were of high yield and low quality, this led to the "Grape Glut" of 1985 where a twenty thousand tonne surplus arose. Following this the Government paid for many vineyards of low quality vines to be pulled out. The first overseas NZ wine tasting events were held during...