Blenheim wine industry growing

Press, 8 July 1976, Page 29

Blenheim wine industry growing

In the next 10 years Marlborough could become one of the larg-

e s t wine-producing - areas in New Zealand. Montana Wines has planted more than 1000 acres in four vineyards around Blenheim," and has already taken the first harvest. The Sylvaner Riesling grapes from the first harvest were sent to the company’s processing plants in the North Island so their sugar and acid content couid be determined.

Early results showed the Marlborough grapes were as good as any in the country, and Montana had plans of making them into a special Marlborough wine. The first wines were planted just over five years ago, and it was from these vines that this year’s grapes were harvested. In coming harvests, more and more of the vines will come into production.

The company also propagates its" own vines in Marlborough, which is almost as important as the actual growing of the vines. In coming years, the company says a processing plant might be established in Marlborough. The picture shows some of the 1000 acres of young vines, in one of Montanas four vine-: yards around Bien-1 heim. i