Winery and vineyard economics under microscope

Hawke's Bay grape growers and winery operators will be looking closely at the performance of their operations with the help of a number of the region's economic specialists at a Focus Research Winter Workshop being held on Friday 22 June.

Hosted by Hawke's Bay Winegrowers Inc. and being held in conjunction with the annual Markhams Young Viticulturist competition at Mission Estate Winery that same day, the seminar, which runs from 10am until noon, is entitled 'Winery & Vineyard Economics - the good, the bad, and the ?'

"The wine industry has been going through a challenging period in recent times and there is particular interest amongst industry about what the future holds in respect to the economic environment and how, most importantly, this will affect financial performance moving forward," says Caine Thompson, chair of the Hawke's Bay Focus Research Group.

Con Williams, a rural economist for National Bank, will set the scene for the seminar with a review of the economic environment including wider economic issues, short and long term effects on the wine industry, and what the future may hold for the wine industry.

Barry Rosenberg, a director with Markhams chartered accountancy and business advisory firm, will be sharing information on future proofing and succession planning.

Property values and trends within the wine industry will be covered by Boyd Gross, a director of Logan Stone Ltd, a Hawke's Bay based valuation and property specialist firm that provides advice to the wine sector nationally.

Two case studies will be presented to illustrate actual industry experience. Xan Harding, deputy chair of HBWG and a grape grower will outline how it is possible to expand in difficult times and talk about vine profitability. Charles Gear, Clearview Estate Winery's general manager sales and marketing, will demonstrate how it is possible for a small winery can lift its performance.

The event is free and will be held at the Chapel Function Room at Mission Estate, with parking at the winery.