Marisco Vineyards acquires Leefield Station

Marisco Vineyards chief winemaker and proprietor Brent Marris has acquired the 2,000ha Leefield Station property in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough.

The property dates back to the 1840s when it was originally settled by Constantine Dillon. This acquisition will provide Marris and Marisco Vineyards with 2,265 ha of potential viticultural land in the Waihopai Valley. One hundred hectares will be planted over the next growing season and with sales increasing at the equivalent of 100ha of vineyard a year, Marris will continue to look at other opportunities to purchase developed vineyards in order to meet long-term global demand.

Commenting on this recent acquisition, Marris says: “This property is a prime viticultural site because of its position within a glacial valley filled with mineral rich soil and beautiful rolling foothills. We intend to plant our vineyards next season, but will also retain the traditions of high value sheep and beef production on the property. We are a Marlborough family and business through-and-through, we understand and are deeply committed to celebrating the historical, social and cultural significance of Leefield Station.”

He adds: “When we started looking for a new property we knew we wanted to keep our wine business within Marlborough. Our existing Waihopai Valley vineyard has won 33 gold medals and seven trophies in eight countries over the last three years which is a true testament to what the Waihopai Valley can produce if vineyards are grown and managed well."

18 December 2012 - Felicity Murray