A Day with Mount Michael in Cromwell

At Beverage Brothers, our annual brand reviews are about more than performance—they're an opportunity to reconnect with the people behind the brands, gain a deeper understanding of each new vintage, and continue building the relationships that make our portfolio so special.

Recently, we travelled to Cromwell for our annual review with Mount Michael Wines spending time with the team and experiencing firsthand the place where their award-winning Central Otago wines are crafted.

Our visit began at the winery, where we toured the production facilities and tasted the latest vintages. In true Central Otago fashion, the region put on a memorable display with Cromwell's infamous inversion layer settling over the basin. While the freezing temperatures certainly kept us on our toes, they also served as a reminder of the unique climate that helps produce some of New Zealand's most distinctive Pinot Noir and cool-climate wines.

From there, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch at Earnscleugh, before visiting one of Mount Michael's vineyard sites to experience the vines firsthand. Standing among the rows, surrounded by Central Otago's dramatic landscape, gave us a deeper appreciation for the region, the vineyard, and the unique conditions that help produce the exceptional wines we're proud to represent.

The visit concluded in the best possible way—gathered around the table at our accommodation, The Brae, where Beverage Brothers owners Az and Kez prepared a home-cooked family dinner for the group. It was the perfect way to finish the trip, sharing stories, reflecting on the year and enjoying the kind of genuine hospitality that sits at the heart of Beverage Brothers.

A sincere thank you to the Mount Michael team for your time, generosity and hospitality. Spending time together each year gives us a deeper appreciation for the wines we represent, strengthening our understanding of the brand and ensuring we're able to confidently share its story with customers throughout New Zealand.