THE UNCOMMON ANNOUCES NEW ZEALAND LAUNCH

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• The Uncommon launches its second ‘local’ outpost; The Uncommon Wine of New Zealand – following the success of its English sparkling wine
• Grown and crafted in Marlborough NZ, the two new sparkling wines include a Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir Rosé
• The UK’s first Certified B Corp™ winemaker intends to replicate its local, premium alternative format wine, in markets beyond the UK creating a unique growth model

English wine pioneer, The Uncommon, has announced its first international foray, with the launch of new local brand, The Uncommon Wine of New Zealand.

As the UK’s first Certified B Corp™ winemaker, The Uncommon is committed to sustainable growth and keeping things local. Rather than exporting wines around the globe, it has created a unique growth model, building partnerships with local experts to make premium wine sustainably around the globe.

Partnering with NZ natives and female founders, Hannah Sweeney and Anna Campbell, the NZ outpost will support domestic growers and suppliers.

Launching this month, the wines have been thoughtfully crafted from New Zealand’s most famous wine region, Marlborough. The range of two sparkling wines includes: a crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, affectionately known as Leonard; and a deliciously dry, blushing Pinot Noir Rosé, known as Twiggy.

Awarded for its instantly recognisable and quirky branding (as well as its wine), The Uncommon’s new illustrations feature natural landscapes, flora and fauna native to NZ. Each character is inspired by a New Zealand great – pilot Jean Batten and explorer Charles Heaphy. 

Henry Connell, co-founder of The Uncommon (UK) said “As the first producer to can English wine back in 2018, our idea has always been to celebrate home-grown and make the best possible wine for local people to enjoy.

We chose New Zealand because it’s a nation of wine lovers, grows amazing grapes, and is an emerging market for cans. We want to grow in the most sustainable way possible and believe New Zealand is a perfect market to test this subsidiary growth model, before hopefully rolling it out into other markets.”

Hannah Sweeney, co-founder of The Uncommon (NZ) added: “With the outdoor lifestyle so engrained in NZ culture, and a love of local, award-winning wine, The Uncommon provides a premium option for those moments when a bottle doesn’t suit – be that beaching, boating, hiking, camping. The feedback we’ve received on the quality of the wines so far has been unbelievable and we’re so excited to share them.” 

The Uncommon made headlines this year for becoming the UK’s first Certified B Corp™  winemaker and for its support of pioneering conservation projects with Kent Wildlife Trust. Alongside sustainability, The Uncommon has built a reputation for quality, winning medals at IWSC, Wine GB and LWC, alongside world renowned bottles of wine.

It is now one of the largest producers of English wine, making over 1 million cans this year, and continued YoY growth across national retailers including Waitrose, Ocado, M&S, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Virgin Atlantic.