The company was born 12 months ago as Hawke's Bay based, boutique winery Sacred Hill Vineyards announced it was expanding its local and global operations and wanted to take a more active and direct role in promoting its portfolio.

Sacred Hill Wine Company's brands include Sacred Hill's three tiers - Orange Label, Halo and Special Selection - as well as Wild South, Ti Point, Whitecliff and Gunn Estate.

Managing Director David Mason says the company has recently added two important new ranges - Gunn Estate Reserve and Landscape - to the portfolio, and both have gained good traction in the market.

"We have also put Wild South under the microscope as a brand. An investment in customer research in New Zealand and the USA has led to a successful consumer promotion and the recent development of improved packaging, which reflects the quality of the wine in the bottle and opens the way for greater customer engagement."

Mr Mason says as well as adding to its brand portfolio, Sacred Hill Wine Company's first year has seen the creation of new jobs.

"We have already created 17 new jobs around the country and we would hope to see that increase as our business grows domestically."

Mr Mason says customer service and delivery have been a priority for Sacred Hill Wine Company from day one and will remain so.

"We're proud of our achievements there in our first year. We have developed closer, direct relationships with trade partners, which also bring us closer to our consumers and their needs."

Mr Mason says while Sacred Hill Wine Company pursues the sales and distribution of the wines, Sacred Hill Vineyards will remain 100% focused on the crafting of exceptional wines.

"The Sacred Hill portfolio of wines won more gold medals, five star ratings and international critical acclaim in 2012 than in any previous year. We are passionate about our wines and we look forward to delivering more stunning wines from the outstanding 2013 vintage."

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