Leading New Zealand wine writers have formed an association to counter claims that some critics are being paid by producers to write favourable reviews.
Twenty-five people including critics Michael Cooper and Bob Campbell have joined the Wine Writers of New Zealand group, signing a charter promising that they will not accept payment for their reports.
Mr Cooper says the group's formation has been hastened by concerns that some writers are being paid directly for wine reviews.
He says it is important to dismiss perceptions that writers are in the pockets of wineries.
Mr Cooper says while wine writers may receive hospitality from the industry, they would soon lose credibility if they responded by writing favourable reviews about poor wine.
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