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If you can't beat them, wine and dine them

In the first half of the twentieth century New Zealand wine laws were restrictive to say the least.

Members of The Viticultural Association were strong advocates for deregulation and, in 1952, chose a unique approach to getting their message across. To promote the idea of relaxed drinking environments, they invited politicians from all parties to spend a day in the sun, enjoying great food and some of West Auckland’s best wines. Maureen Babich remembers seeing her brothers and their friends, formally attired, waiting on the dignitaries and learning the art of lobbying. The new plan paid off. By 1955 wine regulation reform had begun and the enjoyment of wine started its journey into mainstream New Zealand society.

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