New winemaker makes fashionable entrance to market

New wine producer Invivo has launched its limited release 2008 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in an exciting collaboration with iconic New Zealand fashion designer Zambesi.

Invivo, a new, boutique premium New Zealand winery began as an idea between two old Auckland school friends, Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne. Their vision is to bring the best of New Zealand wine, from New Zealand's premium wine-growing regions, to the world in an innovative and contemporary approach.

To support this approach, Invivo invited Zambesi to design the beautiful and unique Invivo label.

Neville Findlay, director of fashion label Zambesi said, "As a proud New Zealand, international brand, we are delighted with the opportunity to collaborate with Invivo to hopefully further extend New Zealand innovation on the world stage. Fashion and wine are synonymous with lifestyle aspirations, and we totally bought into Rob and Tim's passion for creating and promoting excellence.

The design was in part inspired by the face of a ship's compass-rose indicating the points of direction or navigation as the wines will be emanating from diverse wine regions within the country.

It also seemed appropriate to symbolize a focal point of excellence which culminates in the art of the Invivo wine maker. So the mark also represents a coming together of the grapes, the vintner's art and the essence of Aotearoa- New Zealand. Like many symbolic marks there is more than one notion of reference."

Invivo was launched at a gala function on 10 September at ART+OBJECT in Auckland, where 250 guests from international and New Zealand business, the arts, design, entertainment, fashion, cuisine, the wine industry, tourism, trade and media enjoyed the first viewing and tasting of the wine. Artists featured at the launch were internationally acclaimed Gregor Kregar (winner of the Wallace Art Award in 2000, and residences in New York and Australia); Hye Rim Lee who has reached international prominence in New York and Asia for her highly sensual digital art installations; and Module who played his highly textured live electronic music.

Invivo, meaning in life is about creating wines to enjoy to the fullest, just like life itself - Invivo would like to be a part of life's experiences. The wine has been crafted by Winemaker and Invivo co-founder Rob Cameron. Rob's vision is to capture the essence of the variety of each region.

Through his extensive experience of working in Europe and New Zealand, Cameron has gained an acute understanding of creating wines loyal to their region, with excellent balance and drink appeal.

His experience includes establishing and creating Lochiel Estate Vineyards; cellar hand working with Michelle Richardson; one of Slovenia's first foreign winemaker; consultant winemaker to bring Slovenia into the EU in terms of wine quality; senior winemaker for KEO plc in Cyprus looking after four wineries and a 30,000 tonne harvest; consultant for Firebird Legend in Moldova, producing for Waitrose stores; and contracted to Cellarworld International to advise and assist winemaking in
France, Spain, Cyprus, Hungary, Moldova, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Rob's career as a winemaker has been recognised with awards internationally.

All of Invivo's wine has been made in a state of the art and newly accredited "Sustainable Winegrowers of New Zealand" facility in Marlborough under the watchful eye of Cameron.

Co-founder Tim Lightbourne, has developed the marketing strategy behind Invivo. Having returned from Europe, Tim has an extensive international marketing background, including L'Oreal UK as senior marketer for Garnier products where he achieved record market share for the L'Oreal brand; and marketing consultant for HJ Heinz Co where he helped launch HP Foods in new and emerging markets across Europe. He was the winner of the British Export Marketing Innovation Award in 2005 for his work with international culinary sauce brands HP and Lea & Perrins. He is the co-founder of Clinical Technology Ltd, a privately owned company specialising in developing and marketing sports medicine products.

Following their New Zealand launch, Invivo will take the wine internationally with shows in Australia, USA and UK in 2008. Invivo's Central Otago Pinot Noir will be released in early 2009.

Invivo will be at the following international locations:

Sydney September 17 2008: Four Seasons, 199 George Street, Sydney - Level 3 lounge Melbourne September 22 2008: RACV Club, Level 2, 501 Bourke St., Melbourne - Bourke Rooms 1 & 2 Brisbane September 15 2008: Marriott Hotel, Grand Ballroom, 515 Queen Street, Brisbane San Francisco October 20 2008, 1-4 pm: Golden Gate Club, Ventana Room, 135 Fisher Loop, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA New York
October 28 2008 1-4 pm: Public, 210 Elizabeth Street (between Prince & Spring Streets), NYC Los Angeles November 3 2008, 1-4 pm: Wolfgang's Steakhouse, 445 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA London November 5 2008: New Zealand House, London, UK

Tasting notes from Rob Cameron

Invivo's Sauvignon Blanc is an elegant wine and a pure expression of Marlborough, with intense floral and tropical aromas greeting your senses. The palate captures the complexity of the soils on which the vines grow adding richness and weight. We've focused on making this wine, full balanced and enjoyable with food or on its own.
Invivo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008: Recommended Retail Price NZ
$24.95.

Source: Invivo Wines

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