Two weekends ago, James Millton of Millton Vineyards received ‘The Jon
Manhire Award’ for Outstanding Contribution to the Organic Sector, from Organics
Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) presented by Green MP Jeanette Fitzsimons. OANZ is the unified voice of the organic
sector, representing producers, traders, exporters, researchers and
certifiers. It has roles in leadership,
co-ordination and advocacy at a national level, and the award is a significant
one in recognition in the field of organics.
In the presentation, OANZ Chair,
Derek Broadmore, said “James has been a pioneer of biodynamic winemaking
in New Zealand, farming
organically near Gisborne since 1984…[James] was instrumental in developing
organic certification standards for wine in New Zealand, in forming Organic
Winegrowers New Zealand Inc, and in developing a mentoring program for new
organic wine producers. Focusing both on
export markets and local wine connoisseurs, James' products have an
international reputation, and his recently launched 'Crazy by Nature' brand is
proof that they were not so crazy after all.”
It was fitting that this award went to wine production, along with dairy
- the two fastest growing parts of New Zealand's organic sector. Congratulations James!
Check out ‘Triple Aromatic Treats’ in our Premium Wine section, which
features James’ excellent ‘Les Trois Enfants’ blended white.