Mission Estate continues remarkable business transformation with purchase of substantial Marlborough vineyard
By 2012-5-14 15:29:47
Mission Estate Winery today announced the purchase of the iconic Cape Campbell vineyard in Cable Station Road, Marlborough. One of the largest vineyard purchases in Marlborough for the last few years, this is a bold statement of confidence for an industry that has been going through tough times.
Mission Estate was established in Hawke’s Bay in 1851 by French missionaries. After many decades of excellent wines, by the mid 1990s the business was struggling. Peter Holley was recruited to develop and implement strategies that could maximise company performance.
Since then, Mission Estate has enjoyed substantial growth in revenues and established a notable reputation for quality, internationally award-winning wines that exhibit both regional and varietal character.
The purchase of the Cape Campbell vineyard is another step in the remarkable turn-around of New Zealand’s oldest and most historic winery.
“We have recently been focusing our endeavours on selected off-shore markets, with extremely positive results,” says Mr Holley. “The acquisition of the Cable Station Road Vineyard gives us another proven, quality supply of grapes, and reflects the company’s philosophy of sourcing fruit from the best wine growing regions of New Zealand. In addition to meeting current demand, the vineyard purchase will also meet the requirements for our future offshore market development strategy.”
The 100ha Marlborough vineyard is planted mainly in Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Caine Thompson, Mission Viticulturalist, notes, “The vineyard has been established to a very high standard, has excellent soils and outstanding vine health. The block exhibits very low disease pressure, has considerable water resource and enjoys a relatively frost free profile. These factors combined with an excellent location have created an extraordinary opportunity for the company.”
Paul Mooney, Mission’s Chief Winemaker, agrees, adding: “The lower Awatere valley is noted for wines with distinct mineral notes and intense varietal character. It is our intention to produce single vineyard wines of quality and influence. These wines will provide a very compelling offer when viewed against our highly regarded Bordeaux blends and Rhone style wines from our Gimblett Gravels vineyards.”
Stuart Smith, Chairman of New Zealand Winegrowers, says the purchase is an important one for the New Zealand wine industry.
“This is a particularly positive move and is further evidence of Marlborough’s desirability as a premium grape growing region. The purchase also reflects the on-going interest in Marlborough, particularly in the light of the industry’s improving export performance.”
Previous owners Murray and Daphne Brown will be retained by Mission Estate to manage the vineyard. Mission Estate will continue to source fruit from company owned vineyards and from existing contract growers in Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago.
Mission Estate was established in Hawke’s Bay in 1851 by French missionaries. After many decades of excellent wines, by the mid 1990s the business was struggling. Peter Holley was recruited to develop and implement strategies that could maximise company performance.
Since then, Mission Estate has enjoyed substantial growth in revenues and established a notable reputation for quality, internationally award-winning wines that exhibit both regional and varietal character.
The purchase of the Cape Campbell vineyard is another step in the remarkable turn-around of New Zealand’s oldest and most historic winery.
“We have recently been focusing our endeavours on selected off-shore markets, with extremely positive results,” says Mr Holley. “The acquisition of the Cable Station Road Vineyard gives us another proven, quality supply of grapes, and reflects the company’s philosophy of sourcing fruit from the best wine growing regions of New Zealand. In addition to meeting current demand, the vineyard purchase will also meet the requirements for our future offshore market development strategy.”
The 100ha Marlborough vineyard is planted mainly in Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Caine Thompson, Mission Viticulturalist, notes, “The vineyard has been established to a very high standard, has excellent soils and outstanding vine health. The block exhibits very low disease pressure, has considerable water resource and enjoys a relatively frost free profile. These factors combined with an excellent location have created an extraordinary opportunity for the company.”
Paul Mooney, Mission’s Chief Winemaker, agrees, adding: “The lower Awatere valley is noted for wines with distinct mineral notes and intense varietal character. It is our intention to produce single vineyard wines of quality and influence. These wines will provide a very compelling offer when viewed against our highly regarded Bordeaux blends and Rhone style wines from our Gimblett Gravels vineyards.”
Stuart Smith, Chairman of New Zealand Winegrowers, says the purchase is an important one for the New Zealand wine industry.
“This is a particularly positive move and is further evidence of Marlborough’s desirability as a premium grape growing region. The purchase also reflects the on-going interest in Marlborough, particularly in the light of the industry’s improving export performance.”
Previous owners Murray and Daphne Brown will be retained by Mission Estate to manage the vineyard. Mission Estate will continue to source fruit from company owned vineyards and from existing contract growers in Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Central Otago.
From tizwine.com