We know there may be some ambivalence amongst residents about the desirability of tourists flooding the area, and this is understandable. But there is no doubting the contribution they make to the economic well-being of North Rodney.
Consider the impact of the wine industry on the local economy; a Matakana Winegrowers Inc. survey in mid-2006 indicated there are more than 100 full-time-equivalent jobs in the local wine industry. But in addition to employment opportunities, visitors who come to sample the local wines spend a good deal of money on other products and services - food, activities, accommodation etc.
So it is clear people are coming to the Matakana region because of the reputation of the wines – just as they visit Burgundy, Bordeaux, and the Barossa Valley to try the local wines. And when people visit those regions they are seeking a local experience – local stories and local wines. When you go to Burgundy you don’t expect to be offered wine from Bordeaux.
We are starting to see in Matakana some of the features of established wine regions around the world. For example, we now have a fine wine centre in Matakana Village, “The Vintry”, where you can taste all the Matakana wines; Heron’s Flight performs an educational role with informal talks and a printed guide to the wine region; and many of the excellent local accommodation establishments are opting to provide local wines and regale their guests with local wine lore.
These are signs of a region starting to take pride in its unfolding wine heritage and to acknowledge the economic importance of its wine industry. Meantime, by the time you read this we will all be well into the wonderful but crazy annual event called vintage……
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