Winery

Winemaking Services & Capabilities

What services do you offer?

We provide a full-service winemaking solution, including:

  • Grape reception and processing (machine-harvested and handpicked fruit)
  • Fermentation management
  • Barrel aging and storage
  • Blending and filtration
  • Pre bottling adjustments
  • Compliance and export documentation
  • On-site laboratory analysis
  • Winemaking consultation and vintage planning

What kinds of wines can you make?

We work across a wide range of wine styles, including:

  • Sparkling wines
  • Rosé
  • Barrel- and tank-aged white and red wines
  • Dessert wines
  • Natural wines

Can you accommodate small-batch or experimental wines?

Yes — we are open to innovation. While minimum volumes apply for commercial runs, we are happy to discuss one off or trial batches if capacity allows.

Client Involvement & Customisation

Can I be involved in the winemaking process?

Absolutely. You’re welcome to be as involved as you like — from hands-on at harvest to just checking in at key stages. We tailor our approach to suit your goals.

Who do I work with during vintage?

You will be supported by our experienced winemaking and cellar team. We value long-term partnerships, so you will be working with a consistent team who knows your wines.

Do you offer vintage planning or winemaking strategy sessions?

Yes — we encourage early planning. Our team can help map out your vintage from harvest to bottling, including fermentation choices, oak strategy, and key decision points.

Fruit Supply & Production Volumes

Do I need to supply my own grapes?

You are welcome to provide your own fruit, or we can help source premium grapes from trusted Central Otago growers.

Is there a minimum production volume?

Yes — typically 2 tonnes per label per vintage. That said, we are flexible for special projects and one-off runs. Let’s talk.

Storage Facilities

Do you offer storage and barrel space?

Yes — we have temperature-controlled storage for both bulk wine and barrel aging. Wines can be aged on-site in oak or stainless.

Do you supply barrels?

While we don’t supply barrels directly, we can plan and place orders on your behalf, making sure you get the right profile for your wine.

Quality Control & Lab Services

How do you manage quality control?

We maintain rigorous standards through:

  • On-site lab testing
  • Tasting checkpoints
  • Strict hygiene and cellar protocols
  • Accurate record-keeping

What lab services do you provide?

Our lab offers routine and advanced analysis, including:

  • Alcohol, pH, TA, VA, RS
  • SO2 (free and total)
  • Stability testing
  • Microbial checks
  • Finning and stability trials
  • Tasting evaluations on request

Export, Compliance & Packaging Support

Are you certified to make organic wines?

Yes — we are fully certified with BioGro NZ to produce organic wines.

Can you help with export and compliance paperwork?

Yes — our team handles NZ Winegrowers documentation, MPI export approvals, and international compliance. We are well-versed in getting your wine market ready.

Do you offer help with packaging design or label compliance?

While we don’t design labels in-house, as part the wine making process you will be provided with full technical wine making specifications to ensure your wine adheres to MPI’s guide for label regulations.

Scheduling, Visits, & General Support

What is your lead time to ensure wine is ready for bottling?

Lead times can vary depending on the wine style, how it was made, and how long it’s been in tank or barrel. As a general guide, we recommend allowing 4–6 weeks to ensure everything from lab work to final prep is completed to a high standard. That said, in some cases we can move faster — just get in touch and we will talk through what is possible for your wine.

Can I visit during processing?

Yes — clients are welcome to visit during key stages like fruit intake or bottling. Please book in advance so we can ensure a safe and productive visit.


Warehouse and Logistics

Storage & Inventory

What can you store?

We store finished goods (bottled wine), dry goods (cartons, closures, labels, etc.), and other packaging materials. Storage is available in both bonded and non-bonded areas, depending on your product status.

Do you offer bonded storage?

Yes — we can hold your wine under bond until it's ready for dispatch or clearance. This is ideal if duty hasn't yet been paid. Just let us know at the time of storage or transfer if your wine should remain under bond.

Can I track my inventory?

Absolutely. Our proprietary inventory software gives you real-time tracking of both bonded and non-bonded stock. Reports are available on request and can be customised by product or vintage. We’re also integrated via API with freight and courier systems for seamless dispatch tracking.

Can I visit or collect stock?

Yes — you’re welcome to visit, inspect your inventory, or arrange pickups. Just give us a heads-up so we can prepare the space and meet all health and safety protocols.

Dispatch & Orders

What are the order cut-off times?

1pm for same-day dispatch.

What is turnaround for dispatch?

Orders placed before 1pm are dispatched that same day. Orders placed after 1pm will be dispatched the next working day. If something is urgent, give us a call — we’ll do our best to accommodate tight turnarounds.

How long after I order a pick up can I come and collect it? To ensure accuracy and safety,

we ask for a minimum two-hour window between placing an order and collection. On a tight deadline? Get in touch — we’ll let you know what’s possible.

Do you do Direct to Consumer fulfilment and mixed cases?

Yes! We fulfil direct-to-consumer orders nationwide, including standard and custom mixed cases. Whether it’s a wine club shipment or a one-off promotion, we’ll pack and dispatch to your exact requirements.

Can I use my own courier?

We work exclusively with trusted freight partners under commercial contracts that ensure service, pricing, and integration with our systems. This helps protect your product — and your customer’s experience.

Can I combine cartons to save freight?

We’ll always pack as efficiently as possible — within carrier specifications. Combining cartons can sometimes exceed freight limits and increase the risk of damage or penalties. We follow freight specifications strictly to safeguard your wine and reputation.

Can I pack 13 bottles in a 12-pack?

Cartons must match their rated capacity for safety and compliance. Overpacking increases the risk of breakage and may void insurance or breach freight guidelines — so we don’t allow it.

How do I place an order?

Orders are placed online via our secure client portal. You’ll have full stock visibility, and saved addresses for trade and DTC customers make repeat orders fast and accurate. Need to do something urgent or unusual? Give us a call or send an email — we’re here to help.

Stocktake & Reporting

Will I get a stock-on-hand report during your stocktake?

Our annual VinPro stocktake is for internal control and doesn’t cover client stock on the same day. However, your inventory is counted regularly through our rolling cycle, and you’ll continue to receive updates in your regular reports.

Value-added Services & Support

Do you relabel or consolidate orders?

Yes — we offer a range of value-added services including:

  • Re-labelling or over-stickering
  • Mixed case assembly
  • Repacking, consolidation, and pallet configuration

    Just send us your request and we’ll confirm feasibility and lead time.

How is storage charged?

Storage is billed monthly, typically on a per-case-per-day basis. Any additional handling — like relabelling or DTC fulfilment — is quoted based on volume and complexity.

What if my delivery is delayed?

Most delays are outside of our control — such as weather events, road closures (e.g. Lindis Pass), or ferry disruptions. We monitor these closely and work with our freight partners to keep your orders moving safely and efficiently.

Who do I contact if there’s a problem?

For general queries, paperwork, or order follow-ups:
dispatch(at)vinpro.co.nz
Kathy or Rachel 03 445 3535 [ext] 270


For time-sensitive issues or delivery concerns:
corey(at)vinpro.co.nz
Warehouse Manager –03 445 3535 [ext] Ext 271

How do I redirect a courier if my customer entered the wrong address?

Contact Kathy or Rachel. We’ll liaise with the freight provider to arrange redirection. A nominal fee may apply.

What delivery times should I advise on my website or to trade customers?

Here’s a guide for typical delivery timeframes:

  • South Island (main centres): Overnight
  • North Island (main centres): 3 days
  • Rural addresses: Please allow an extra 48 hours

Important Considerations:

  • Public Holidays: NZ Post does not deliver on these days
  • Remote areas: May experience further delays
  • Late posting: Orders placed after 1pm start their delivery timeframe the next working day
  • Known slow regions: Taranaki, Whitianga, Blenheim, Nelson, Picton & Renwick

Bottling

Wine Readiness & Quality Assurance

What happens when wine arrives at VinPro?

Upon arrival, the Bottling Laboratory runs a series of tests to ensure the wine is ready for bottling. These results are sent to the winemaker, who must approve each tank before bottling can begin.

Who is responsible for ensuring the wine is bottle-ready?

Clients are contractually responsible for dispatching only bottle-ready wine. This means:

  • Microbial stability (especially adequate free sulphur levels)
  • Compatibility with the booked filtration type
  • Minimum temperature of 14°C

Why is temperature so important?

Wine that arrives too cold can lead to operational issues — such as condensation affecting labelling — and may not be suitable for filtration.

What is the 'taste off' on bottling day?

All wines go through a ‘taste off’ process using the Anton Paar Alcolyzer. Our standard is that the alcohol level of the test bottle must be within 0.50% ABV of the source tank, prior to filling the bowl in readiness for bottling, aligning with EU labelling compliance.

Are wines tested again after bottling?

Yes. Post-bottling analysis ensures quality has been maintained. These results are shared with the client as part of a Quality Assurance (QA) report.

What is IWAG, and how is VinPro involved?

VinPro’s Bottling and Winery Laboratories are members of IWAG (Inter Winery Analysis Group)—a global network of 210 labs that regularly test and compare standard samples to ensure analytical consistency.

Wine Adjustments & Lab Testing

Can VinPro make adjustments to my wine before bottling?

As a rule, wine should be fully bottle-ready before arriving at VinPro. In exceptional cases where adjustments are necessary onsite, we strongly prefer these are made by the client. Charges may apply, and a waiver may be required if adjustments (or non-adjustments) pose a risk to wine quality.

Can I bring wine samples to be tested before bottling?

Yes. Please confirm with our lab technician the required sample volume for each test. There is no charge, and results are usually available the same day. Testing in advance helps avoid unnecessary delays or adjustments once the wine is on-site.

Scheduling Bottling & Labelling

What information is needed to schedule a bottling or labelling run?

To create a booking, we require:

  • Wine and vintage (SKU)
  • Forecast or confirmed volume
  • Number of markets
  • Dry goods overview (bottle and cap type, packaging)
  • Organic wine status (if applicable)

How far in advance should I request a schedule slot?

Please submit scheduling requests at least 4 weeks before your preferred production date.

How is scheduling priority determined?

Scheduling is based on:

  • Readiness of all packaging materials
  • Production line availability
  • Client delivery deadlines
  • Job complexity and changeover time

What could delay my bottling or labelling slot?

Common delay factors include:

  • Late delivery of dry goods
  • Incomplete or incorrect spec sheets
  • Late change requests
  • Wine not arriving bottle ready

Can I change my production date after it’s confirmed?

Yes, though changes are subject to availability and may result in a delay. Please provide at least 7 days’ notice for non-critical changes.

How will I be notified of my production date?

Once all requirements are confirmed, your production date will be sent via email. We will notify you of any changes or delays as early as possible.

Who should I contact for schedule updates?

Amélie Esparza – Production Planner
planner(at)vinpro.co.nz

What are your standard production hours?

Our bottling and labelling lines typically operate:
Monday to Friday | 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Dry Goods Specification Sheets

What is a dry goods spec sheet?

A spec sheet provides technical details for all packaging components used in the bottling process — including bottles, caps, labels, cartons, label markets, and more.

Why are spec sheets required?

They ensure that all packaging meets our production and regulatory standards. Spec sheets help:

  • Reduce downtime
  • Ensure compatibility with machinery
  • Maintain wine integrity
  • Comply with labelling regulations
  • Assist us with ordering dry goods on your behalf
  • Ensure we have all components required to complete the bottling or labelling job.

What format should we use to submit spec sheets?

We prefer Excel or PDF formats.

How do we submit spec sheets?

Please email all spec sheets to:
planner(at)vinpro.co.nz

When are spec sheets due?

All final, approved spec sheets must be submitted at least 4 weeks before your scheduled production date.

Who can we contact for support?

Amélie Esparza – Production Planner
amelie(at)vinpro.co.nz

What happens if a spec sheet is incomplete or late?

Missing or incomplete specs can result in:

  • Delayed start times
  • Packaging or labelling errors
  • Additional costs due to last-minute changes

Can we make changes after submitting a spec sheet?

Yes, changes are possible — but if your spec sheet has already been validated, it may affect your confirmed production date. We're here to help, so please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or send an email. The sooner we know, the more options we’ll have to find the best solution together.

Label Requirements & Approval

When do my labels need to arrive at VinPro?

Labels must be delivered to VinPro at least 5 working days before your scheduled bottling or labelling job. This allows time to process and inspect them to ensure they’re fit for use and meet production requirements.

Do I need to approve my labels?

Yes. Once your labels arrive and are processed, you’ll receive a label approval form. This is your final opportunity to confirm all label details are correct. Missing this step could result in serious errors — such as missing pregnancy warnings, incorrect spelling, or omitted certifications like BioGro.

Do my labels require a pregnancy warning?

Yes. As of 1 August 2023, all alcoholic beverages sold for retail in New Zealand and Australia must display a pregnancy warning label. More info from MPI

Compliance, Quality Issues & Complaints

Where can I get copies of VinPro’s WSMP Certificates (Wine Standards Management Plan)?

Our WSMP Certificates are available on our websit

How do I raise a quality issue with VinPro?

You can raise a quality issue or complaint by:

What should I do if I receive a complaint from a customer or distributor?

Gather as much information as possible:

  • Contact details of the complainant
  • What happened, where, when, and who was involved
  • Any available physical evidence,such as the bottle or cap or any photos that are available. These can help a lot with any investigations required.

What does VinPro do when they receive a complaint?

We carry out a full investigation to determine the root cause of the issue. If necessary, we may inspect any wine stored at VinPro. We will share our findings and outline any corrective actions we will take.

What happens if I need to conduct a product recall?

If a recall is required, VinPro will help assess the situation, confirm the need for a recall, and assist in carrying it out efficiently.

 

Admin and Finance

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