GEORGES MICHEL ESTATE

Of the 290 wine producers in the region, two are French and their notoriety is no longer required. Now, 15 years ago, George and Huguette visited New Zealand and fell in love. Owner of Beaujolais vineyards in France (Château de Grandmont), the couple decided to settle in New Zealand in 1997. The success is so fast, especially thanks to the grape vintages of 1999, that they won several medals. Today, George produces about 200 000 bottles of chardonnay and Sauvignon white a year.