THE ORCHARD.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1261, 30 April 1896, Page 7

THE ORCHARD.

NEW ZEALAND VINEYARDS.

To the Editor of the N.Z. Mail

Sir, —It occurs to me that perhaps a few remarks on the above subject by one who for a considerable time has been engaged in viticultural pursuits and in tho inspection of vineyards under the Phylloxera Act at the Capo might be appreciated, especially by agriculturists who would be inclined to take up vine-growing as an industry. I havo recently returned from a tour through this Island, undertaken with a view to ascertain as correctly as possible, by personal investigation and a thorough inspection of the localities where vines are already being cultivated, whether the nature of the soil is in every respect suitable for planting the wine-making varieties, and also if the grapes do attain in the open air that degree of maturity which is so essential for producing good and sound wines.

It had often puzzled me why, iu this fine climate, in every sense equal, if not better, than that of tho centre and south of “la belle France,” viticulture lias not become for year* already one of the principal industries of this Colony. Since my visit to sevenal of the existing vineyards (planted bv enterprising men who aro convinced of the great future this industry offers to New Zealand), whore 1 not only tasted several varieties of grapes, but also the wines which have been mad-', T confess I am more than ever astonished to find that such a source of prosperity and revenue as viticulture would certainly be has so long boon overlooked 1

The North Island, generally, has everything in its favour to enable it to become a great wine centre, possessing, as it does, the right kinds of soil and an excellent climate. Moreover, as it is now clearly proved that grapes do positively como to perfect maturity in the open air and possess all the qualities required for making excellent wines, which would compare favourably with the betterkinds of French wines, I do not hesitate to recommend the planting of vines on a large scale. They will certainly grow to great perfection in the open air and yield a heavy crop per acre, providing the soil is thoroughly well worked before planting tho vineyard, and care taken to choose the best aspect. Varieties alone should be selected that are most suitable to tho particular land on which they are to be planted. Thun, if a good mode of cultivation is adopted and great care and attention given to the pruning, there is no reason that 1 know of why the results should not be most satisfactory. Tin re are thousands of acres of land in the Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa districts alone where the vine would grow to great perfection and yield heavy crops. This part of the country is, in my opinion, specially well adapted to the cultivation of the vine.

Tho Lev Fathers of the Roman Catholic Mission Station at Meaneo and Mr Wm. Beotham, of Masterton, tho enthusiastic pioneers of viticulture in this Colony, have for some years past striven to prove how well tho grapes do grow and what really good wine can be made with great regularity each season.

At the residence of tho latter, where the kindest hospitality was extended to me, I tasted wines both rod and white, of several vintages, all of which were sound and of very good flavour. Somo red Hermitage, six years in bottle, was of superior quality, with a beautifully rich and bright colour and flue bouquet. I had certainly not expected to taste anything like it made in the: Colony, and ! was agreeably surprised. In the well-kept vineyard 1 noticed that tho vines had been carefully and well primed, and that the present season’s crop looked fine and abundant.

Other gentlemen, whoso vineyards 1 had the advantage of seeing, have followo 1 in the footsteps of the pioneers with marked success, and gone in for viticulture very heartily.

I may mention tho woll-laid-out vineyard of 24 acres, “ Green Meadows,” tho property of tho late Mr Tiffen, near Napier. There I found tho Hermitage and Binot grapes looking very fine, tho bunches large and the berries well shaped. The black Hamburgh even, which, in this country, so far, is grown under glass, can be seen out in the open air, side by side with the wine-making varieties, doing well and bearing fine bunches; which, at the time of my visit, early in March, were already ripe and of delicate flavour. 1 was only able to taste the red and white wine of the ’95 vintage, tho older wines being already sold. Both kinds aro good, and the colour of the red is rich and bright. I think that if they were allowed to mature for two years in the wood tho result would be encouraging. The pressing and fermenting department is a model of its kind, being fitted up with all the modern appliances, and is well worth a visit. Mr Anderson, the manager, deserves to be complimented for tho efficient and intelligent manner in which he is carrying out the work, both in tho vineyard and cellar.

Mr J. N. Williams, of “Frimley,” Hastings, has a well-kept vineyard, which lie contemplates greatly enlarging. The Binot grapes here were looking fine and healthy, and I would not bo surprised to hear that tho yield in grape-juice was very satisfactory. Other varieties in the vineyard were also bearing well. Tho soil on this property is very suitable for vinegrowing. I was afterwards driven to Havelock and introduced to Mr Chambers. There again I was pleased to find about half an acre of black Hamburgh, growing to perfection in the opon. The shape and colour of the berries wero all that could be desired, and within a few days of being ripe. This vineyaid, I understand, is to be considerably extended shortly. I feel much satisfaction in mentioning

the fact that throughout tho vineyards I visited, with the exception of one or two varieties which should not be cultivated here, 1 did not detect any grapes which wero not likely to attain the degree of maturity necessary for pressing. Further North and round about Auckland I went to several vineries, every one, however, under glass. On expressing my astonishment at finding that such an unnecessary and expensive system of growing grapes was adopted, in spite of this splendid climate, 1 was told very seriously that “ grapes will never ripen in New Zealand in the open air, the heat is not great enough !” If only some of those growers who hold a similar opinion could take a trip to the Hawke’s Bay province when the next grape season comes round, and visit “ Green Meadows,” “ Meaneo Mission Station,” “ Frimley ” and other vineyards, I think they would havo to own that after all it is quite possible, even in New Zealand, to grow grapes iu perfection without the assistance of costly hothouses. During my tour I met with several agriculturists who showed themselves eager to hear and learn all about the mysteries of viticulture, many assuring mo that they would be very glad to start vine-growing as an industry, but they could not think of doing so unless the Government were prepared to give their support to the undertaking, supplied them with the suitable kinds of vine-cuttings, and taught them the practical work of planting, pruning, &c. If this wore done, there is no doubt that before long a largo extent of land which is very suitable for vine-growing, at present lying uncultivated, would bo studded with numbers of beautiful and thriving vineyards. In concluding, I bog to tender my cordial thanks to Mr J. I). Ritchie, the courteous and obliging Secretary for Agriculture, for his kind letters of introduction, which greatly contributed to make my investigations on viticultural matters both pleasant and most satisfactory. I am, sir, Yours faithfully, 11. Lowcay, Viticulturist.