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Honoured for work in wine industry
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
GISBORNE biodynamic grape grower and winemaker James Millton is humbled at the honour of being named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

He was awarded a MNZM in recognition for his services to the wine industry and is quick to recognise those around him.

“If I am to receive this award, it must also acknowledge those who have stood beside and supported me, especially my wife Annie and children Monique and Sam, as well the people I am lucky enough to work with.”

The award was not only good for the wine industry, he said.

“It is very good recognition for what our region can contribute to the greater requirements of the wine industry.”

Mr Millton has worked and trained all his life in the winegrowing trade, completing relevant wine courses in Bordeaux, France and Mainz, Germany, before becoming a cellar master in the Rheinhessen district.

In 1984, with his wife Annie, he established Millton Vineyards and Winery at four individual vineyard locations in the wine appellation of Gisborne.

A small family artisan winegrower, Mr Millton was the first producer in New Zealand to gain Bio-Gro certification for organic wine production in 1989. Having practised traditional methods of viticulture and wine production since inception, he was also one of the first to obtain the biodynamic certification Demeter in 2009.

James Millton is now considered one of the few global pioneers in the field of biodynamic wine-growing.

Millton Vineyards and Winery produces three distinct labels including their “Grand Cru” Domaine Clos de Ste. Anne, “Premier Cru” Millton single vineyard estate and “AOC” Crazy by Nature range.

Their wines consistently appear in fine dining rooms worldwide and have received many national and international awards, including numerous trophies at the Air New Zealand Wine Awards, New Zealand’s most prestigious wine competition.

Millton Vineyards and Winery is also a member of the international group La Renaissance des Appellations and New Zealand collaboration The Family of Twelve.

James Millton has been instrumental in establishing Certified Organic Winegrowers of New Zealand and has sat on the council of the Bio Dynamic Farming and Gardening Association.

He was also a senior wine judge for the Air New Zealand National Wine competition, International Chardonnay Challenge, Bragato Wine Competition and Decanter Magazine in the United Kingdom.

In London speaking on biodynamics to the Circle of Wine Writers, Mr Millton was thrilled to receive news of the MNZM award.

The New Zealand Order of Merit is an order established in 1996 “for those persons who in any field of endeavour, have rendered meritorious service to the Crown and nation or who have become distinguished by their eminence, talents, contributions or other merits”.
Winemaker James Millton has been awarded the MNZM. File picture
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