january 2026 newsletter
Hello and welcome to our first newsletter from the home of ANTHEA Drinks! It’s been such a fantastic second summer for the people and places who are enjoying our botanical sparkling wine alternative. This is going to be a monthly update, and we look forward to including you as part of the ANTHEA family. We will include a behind the scenes look and what is coming up. Darren gets to talk about some of the finer details and beautiful ingredients he handcrafts within the ANTHEA products. Lucy shares what is coming up in the social media and marketing space and Ray will keep the finger on the pulse of about what is happening in the adult non-alcoholic space locally and globally.
“We start this year with gratitude. This is genuine…Thank you to our incredible supporters who have purchased and are enjoying ANTHEA right across New Zealand.
A special shout out to our local businesses who have been early supporters and have proven the potential for ANTHEA: A huge thanks to Kumeu Valley Estate, The Beekeepers Wife, Boric Food Market, Hallertau Brewery & Kumeu New World.
It hasn’t just been locals – Woolworths New Zealand gave ANTHEA the opportunity of distribution across their business in mid-2025. Demand for our ANTHEA has kept building with our most popular 250ml cocktail Passionflower and Elder – selling out completely. Wow! Thankfully we’re back in stock in a few days thanks to the incredibly adaptive service from Craft Canners in Westgate.
I must hand it to our small team, we are a small company of talented people who are digging deep to propel ANTHEA forward. We thrive on the encouragement, energy and support of many people including our partners, friends, business colleagues and wider community leaving fabulous feedback on social media, websites and directly in messages.
We are living in a time of many substantial changes. The weakening of our dependence on alcohol as social lubricant is a huge global phenomenon. We are facing a rapidly growing gap for adult beverages that satisfy and respect the moments of celebration and connection that make us human. We are not opposed to alcohol, and see our mission is to support the choices made to be human with less of it in our lives.”
“Hi, my name is Emma Williamson and I joined the team as Ambassador in mid-December. I come to ANTHEA as a co-owner and Nurse who is deeply passionate about reducing alcohol related harm in our communities. I have worked clinically in a range of settings and seen the impacts first hand. I have also been to so many personal, public and work events where the non-alcoholic offering was poor and sometimes undrinkable.
What is important to me is knowing the flavours are handcrafted from raw ingredients – flowers, spices and herbs alongside managing the sugar content. The ANTHEA range is an elegant experience, that is refreshing and satisfying. This is not mimicking a typical alcohol beverage; it is a stand-alone experience. I am supporting ANTHEA to build brand awareness, host at events and look for opportunities within New Zealand and sharing ANTHEA with the world! If there is somewhere you would like to see ANTHEA let me know.”
emma@anthea-non-alcoholic.com
“As a winemaker I have travelled and worked extensively across New Zealand, and California learning and developing my craft and experience. ANTHEA came about through researching, designing and handcrafting a beverage that fulfils a clear gap in the market. People did not just want a dealcoholized wine or a zero percent product. They wanted a beverage that is full on the palate, brings complexity of flavours and can be enjoyed while relaxing and socialising.
We have included many ingredients in the range, and I look forward to explaining more through our newsletters across the year. What I do recommend is serving ANTHEA cold at 4-6° just from the fridge to preserve flavour and carbonation. Always gently invert the Blanc and Blush bottles just before opening as you will see some of the natural ingredients will settle. This is normal and demonstrates our use of natural products rather than synthetic chemicals. Taller glasses like flutes may add to visual appeal and styling, however with the range of beautiful glassware now available we look forward to seeing how you are enjoying the ANTHEA range as much as we do.”
“As our head of marketing I’ve been leading our in all aspects of the creative. Working in a multifaceted role, I’m responsible for not only our marketing campaigns, but also our distribution.
From driving the forklift in the mornings, to directing and starring in our social media videos in the afternoon, I’m always ready to take on a challenge.
This month I’ve had the pleasure of leading our talent team and photography crew through our first large scale photoshoot. We were lucky enough to be hosted by Kumeu Valley Estate for part of this shoot, and I’m so excited to share the results with you all!
We have an action packed content calendar coming up, so make sure to follow us on social!”
This month we have been invited to partner for the first New Zealand TED event of the year!
TEDx Wynyard Quarter is happening on Friday February 13th, and we excited to be providing refreshments across the day and for the VIP networking event in the evening. On Jan 17th at Kumeu Valley Estate wedding expo we served welcome drinks to over 400 people for wedding parties/friends and family coming to see this beautiful venue set up for ideas and inspiration. We had the First Photoshoot of the year at KVE and Muriwai Valley. With businesses coming back from holiday breaks I am now working with organisers for events coming up through the year and will keep you posted.