Dispensing wine through taps after storing it in kegs has gained popularity not only in New Zealand but also internationally
Wine is carefully placed into either reusable stainless-steel kegs or single-use kegs, like the key-keg system. These kegs are then linked to a refrigerated wine dispensing setup, allowing the wine to be readily poured through a tap, much like beer. When served, the wine is released under pressure with the assistance of an inert gas, typically nitrogen, which also safeguards it from oxidation. Using kegs for wine reduces wastage in both the wine and its packaging, guaranteeing that a glass of wine remains untainted by oxidation—a notable advantage, particularly for establishments serving wine by the glass.
Moreover, the reuse of kegs offers significant environmental merits; a study from the University of California revealed that a stainless-steel keg reused 100 times possessed a carbon footprint 95% lower than that of single-use glass bottles.
Leading the movement in New Zealand for wine on tap is Dan Gillett, who is at the helm of the Wine Diamonds distribution business and Everyday Wine retail store. His journey into the world of wine on tap began during his ownership of Scotch Wine Bar in Marlborough. At that time, Dan sought a method to serve natural wines—wines without added sulphites—by the glass, without compromising their quality or letting them oxidize after opening the bottle. He pondered:
“Beer in kegs doesn’t oxidize, so why not explore this concept for wine?”
Delving deeper into the idea of wine in kegs, he initiated a trial in 2018 with a preservative-free Sauvignon Blanc on tap. This trial involved approximately 100 kegs, which turned out to be a success. The wine proved to be exquisite and maintained its quality within the keg. As Dan put it:
“It just worked on every level.”
One of the initial hurdles involved addressing the perception of lower quality associated with wines on tap. Dan recalls:
“There was a notion that wine on tap equated to something cheap.”
To challenge this notion, he embarked on a mission to demonstrate to reputable producers that wines on tap could rival, and even surpass, the bottled versions when poured by the glass. With this goal in mind, he succeeded in enlisting the participation of a few exceptional producers who shared his vision, and the momentum began to build. While acknowledging the enduring appeal of the traditional uncorking ritual and bottle presentation, Dan emphasizes:
“I’ve always been committed to offering exceptional wine on tap.”
Wine Diamonds currently offers an impressive selection of approximately 40 diverse wines on tap, encompassing a wide spectrum of styles including sparkling, Rosé, and red varieties sourced from regions spanning New Zealand, Australia, France, Spain, and Italy. Their influence extends to more than 200 taps in bars and restaurants across New Zealand. Over the recent years, they’ve transitioned to an entirely self-contained operation, managing the entirety of their system in-house. They’ve acquired ownership of their stainless-steel kegs, which they efficiently collect, sanitize, refill, and distribute among various wineries across the country. Dan finds this logistical arrangement more manageable compared to handling bottled wine.
“When you move one keg, it’s equivalent to 27 bottles of wine. The advantage is that kegs can be transported nationwide without the risks associated with freight; couriers can’t mishandle a keg to the extent of shattering it, which is certainly convenient.”
An additional major advantage of wine on tap lies in its significant environmental merits and its contribution to zero waste. Dan emphasizes that this aspect has significantly propelled the operations of the Everyday Wine retail store. They offer wine in reusable swing-top bottles, enabling customers to visit and refill their wine supply from the rotating array of tap options. They’ve cultivated a core customer base comprised of individuals who prioritize environmental sustainability and aim to curtail their waste footprint. Dan notes:
“We cater to people who are environmentally conscious and genuinely committed to minimizing their waste impact, thereby reducing their ecological footprint. A single keg is equivalent to three cases of wine, and it eliminates the entire array of waste associated with that—bottles, labels, caps, cartons, and dividers.”