Message in a Bottle

Only found in New Zealand’s waters, this distinctive grey dolphin with black and white markings and a round dorsal fin is the most easily recognised species of dolphin.

Numbers have dropped from 30,000 in the 1970's to just 7,200 today. NIWA research estimates that three Hector's Dolphins die in commercial fishing nets each week.

A group of Central Otago wine folk, fronted by Gem McGrath, have banded together in a campaign called 'Message in a Bottle' ... and Rapid Labels agreed to help without hestitation.

The grapes were donated by Smith's Gully (Bannockburn) and Clutha Ridge (Tarras). Olssen's ace winemaker Jen Parr volunteered to make the wine. The label was designed by Gemrock Design, features artwork by Jono Moore, and the label printed no charge by us here at Rapid Labels. Vinpro bottled the wine free of charge and also secured the donation of bottles, screwcaps & packaging.

On Saturday 22 August Bannockburn Hotel sponsored a bottling party. The project has been covered by Campbell Live on TV3.

Funds raised from sales of Message in a Bottle Pinot Gris will go directly to WWF New Zealand's campaign to save endangered Hector's and Maui's dolphins. The project is aiming for better than NZ$50,000 which is a very worthy effort.

The release of the wine for public sale was 21 September 2009. There are only 400 six-packs so you'll need to be quick. The wine, by the way, is very nice (opinion).

Message in a Bottle 2009 Pinot Gris, NZ$30 a bottle, or NZ$180 per six pack.
All proceeds go to WWF's effort for the Hector's Dolphin.

To order the Message in a Bottle wine (via Olssens) click on https://supersecure.co.nz/users/63/order.htm