Wine Industry Report

US wine-producing giant, Baron Herzog owned by Royal Wine Corporation has forced a change in name of one of New Zealand’s leading boutique winemakers.

Herzog Winery, making wine under their family name with roots dating back to 1482 in the proprietor’s native Switzerland, has had to change the name of their wines in order to comply with Baron Herzog’s global registration of the Herzog name. This takes effect immediately in Europe and the United States while the battle to keep using the name in New Zealand and Australia continues.

Hans Herzog and his wife Therese came to Marlborough in the mid-nineties and purchased a 30 acre block of land that had inspired Hans with its potential. Though continuing to spend New Zealand winters in Switzerland each year, Hans was enthused by the quality of wine he was able to achieve and eventually they made the decision to move permanently to Marlborough. Included in the move was the couple’s Michelin-starred restaurant, now the much-heralded flagship for their range of wines.

Baron Herzog is a producer of mainly kosher wines aimed at the Jewish communities in the United States. Last year saw the opening of the company’s new facilities just south of Santa Barbara – over 7,000 square metres compared to Hans Herzog’s tiny cellar where he makes the family’s total production of just 3,000 cases.

Though upsetting for the Herzog’s, Therese’ naturally optimistic and proactive attitude has seen the company re-name their wines in a manner completely fitting for the brand. She explains, “We have very loyal customers and they know us and our wines intimately, so just the same as when you get to know someone, you refer to them using their first name – it is the same with Herzog.”

Re-named as ‘Hans’, the label is a true reflection of Hans Herzog’s complete immersion in both his vineyard and his winemaking. “He lives and breathes his wines – it is he inside the bottle – his dedication, knowledge and philosophies in each one.” says Therese. “This name change endorses his and my commitment to what we do here and what we will continue to do.”