O’Brien’s and Man O’ War Wines commence new partnership in Ireland

Man O’ War Wines has established a partnership with the prestigious O’Brien’s, Ireland’s largest family owned drinks retailer. Man O’ War will be the first Waiheke Island wine, joining O’Brien’s select New Zealand portfolio.

O’Brien’s, renowned for its staff’s knowledge and training of quality wine, will be hosting Man O’ War’s Winemaker, Duncan McTavish, and Sales & Marketing Manager, Sara Fogarty, at some of their Dublin stores during late September. “With both of us being family owned we share many attributes, with individuality and quality being the focus. We are delighted to join O’Brien’s excellent portfolio of outstanding wines and are looking forward to sharing our unique wines with Ireland”, says Sara.

“With New Zealand wines at the front of our customers minds I am thrilled that we are able to introduce diversity to our portfolio with these award winning wines from this little known region of New Zealand.” says Lynne Coyle, Head Wine Buyer and Development for O’Brien’s.

Man O’ War derives its name from the spectacular bay that Captain James Cook anchored off in 1769. Upon sighting the ancient stands of magnificent Kauri trees covering the surrounding coastline, Cook noted that they would make ideal spars for the warships of the Royal Navy.
Today, the 100% estate grown and family owned Man O’ War Vineyards is known for its award winning wines (Double Gold for Man O’ War Dreadnought 2008 from Decanter & International Wine Challenge 2010) which are individually named to reflect the history and exceptional sense of the place.

Located on a stunning coastal site at the eastern end of Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, the vineyards are made up of 90 individual parcels selected specifically for their unique terroir.

The Man O’ War wines, available in O’Brien’s from October, will include Ironclad 2008, Dreadnought 2008, Valhalla 2009, Man O’ War Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Man O’ War Merlot Cabernet Franc 2008 and Man O’ War Chardonnay 2008. All these wines are featured on the Man O’ War website: http://www.manowarvineyards.co.nz/

To find out how to join the wine tasting events, please check O’Brien’s web and blog site: www.wine.ie http://blog.obrienswine.ie/ or +353 1 269 3139

For more information, tasting notes or photography please contact:
Sara Fogarty, Sales & Marketing Manager, Man O’ War Vineyards
Tel: +64 21 871 734 sara@manowarvineyards.co.nz

Lynne Coyle, Head of Wine Buying and Development, O’Briens Wines
Tel: +353 1 269 3139 lcoyle@obrienswines.ie www.wine.ie