THE WINE INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XV, Issue 859, 23 August 1906, Page 20

THE WINE INDUSTRY.

Last week Mr E. Clifton, head of the Auckland branch of the Agricultural Department, and Signor Bragato .Government viticulturist, were in Wellington,' conferring with the new Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. R. McNab) in regard to various matters connected with their respective Departments. One of the matters brought under the notice of the Minister by Signor Bragato is that of having unfermented wine placed upon the New Zealand market, as he is convinced that it will find a ready sale at a remunerative rate. The wine is the pure juice of the grape, and, being sweet, is much sought after by people who do not care for dry wines. If the Department approves of his idea, the manufacture of unfermented wine will be started at the Government stations next season. The vine cuttings received from Italy by Signor Bragato, the Government viticulturist, are to be grafted on to American stock at the viticultural station at Arataki, Hawke’s Bay, with the object of distributing throughout the colony vines suitable for producing the finest table grapes. At the present time there is worth of wine in the cellar at Waerenga, Waikato, and an offer for the whole has been received from one firm.