Saturday, 03 August 2024 14:25

Major Marlborough development

Written by  Staff Reporters

Craigmore Sustainables has added to its viticulture portfolio with the purchase of a 418-hectare development site in Marlborough.

Cat Creek, located at North Bank in the Wairau Valley, will have nearly 200ha of Sauvignon Blanc vines when fully developed.

It is the first viticulture venture in the South Island for the food and fibre investment company, which has vineyard holdings in Gisborne and Central Hawke’s Bay.

“The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc story continues to provide strong long-term fundamentals that make further expansion attractive,” says Craigmore’s General Manager Horticulture Con Williams.

Craigmore will invest $40 million in the development over the next two years and about 3,000 tonnes will be harvested from the vineyard at maturity, with an export value of more than $20 million.

Craigmore has partnered with Babich Wines and the wine company’s Marlborough team will be responsible for the management and development of the vineyard.

“It’s rare to have access to such a sizeable vineyard development,” says Babich Wines Chief Executive David Babich. “There is a lot of common ground between our two businesses, most prominently our shared view that environmental stewardship and long-term, sustainable business success go hand in hand.”

Babich Wines will also invest additional capital into its Marlborough winery to increase processing capacity to cater for additional grape supply.

More like this

Pinot Pioneers

Wairarapa Wine Region's Pinot Pioneers celebration dinner in early August paid homage to Nick Hoskins of Vine Managers and the late Richard Riddiford of Palliser Estate.

Sommelier of the Year

It's a "mind-blowing feeling" to win the New Zealand Sommelier of the Year 2024, says Suraj GC.

» Latest Print Issues Online

Popular Reads

Marlborough's Small Town Winery

Marlborough’s 2024 vintage was “a return to form for Marlborough summers”, says Astrolabe General Manager Libby Levett.