Sunday, 08 December 2024 13:25

Haere Ra 2024: Nelson

Written by Staff Reporters

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Chris Seifried

It's been 51 years since Hermann and Agnes Seifried planted vines in Nelson, establishing what is now the South Island's oldest wine producer. Their son Chris, who has spent his entire life navigating the vagaries of nature, markets and regulations, says excellent 2024 wines are welcome boost in tough times.

The Good

It's wonderful to be welcoming so many tourists to our region and cellar doors; they add such a buzz to Nelson and Tasman. The recent developments with the Tasman Taste Trail are bringing lots of locals and tourists out on bikes and offering a great way see the region.

The Bad

We feel saddened to see the current market challenges, which we have not seen often in the 51 years our family has been making wine. Wine prices are being driven down due to global oversupply. Locally, this has resulted in a significant number of Nelson vineyards being removed as commercial reality sets in. After watching friends and colleagues caring for their vines for so many years, it’s devastating to see them have to pull them out. It is, however, supply and demand economics. Currently consumers are the winners, with super wines at really reasonable prices.

The Awesome

Vintage 2024! We had the most amazing harvest with beautiful ripe fruit, and exceptional flavours and acid levels. The weather made for a long, almost casual harvest. This year at Seifrieds we welcomed a great crew of young winemakers from around the world, and they really made harvest a smooth run, with everyone having a great time. Now the ‘24 whites are in bottle we are starting to see some great reviews and awards. We are particularly proud of the Sauvignon Blancs and Gewürztraminer.

Published in Regional Updates

More like this

Haere Ra 2024: Waitaki

Te Kano Winemaker Dave Sutton looks at an excellent growing season against the pressure of competing land use.

Haere Ra 2024: Central Otago

Valli celebrated a quarter century of winemaking this year, with the release of its 25th Anniversary Pinot Noir, made in 2022. Jen Parr, who’s been Winemaker at Valli since 2015, reflects on a year of challenges, rewards and rousing community spirit.

Haere Ra 2024: North Canterbury

Ed Donaldson is Marketing Manager for Pegasus Bay, which is owned and operated by his family, pioneers of the Canterbury wine region. Ed says it’s been a busy year with lots of travel and reestablishing international connections in a post-Covid world.

Haere Ra 2024: WineWorks

Slowing wine sales have impacts beyond growers and wineries. WineWorks Group Chief Executive Peter Crowe looks at some of those consequences.

Haere Ra 2024: Awatere Valley

The Yealands Sauvignon Blanc that won Champion Wine at the 2024 Marlborough Wine Show, sponsored by Quay Connect, was an “exceptional example” of the wine that put Marlborough on the map, says Chief Judge Stu Marfell.