New Zealand-based Marisco Vineyards has acquired the 2,000ha Leefield Station property in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough for an undisclosed amount, making it the owner of 2,265ha of property in the valley.
The company, which currently produces The Ned and The Kings' Series brands, plans to plant 100ha of the site with vines.
According to the company, sales are growing at a rate of 100ha of vineyard a year, forcing them to buy developed vineyards to meet with the global demand.
Marisco Vineyards owner and winemaker Brent Marris said the Leefield Station property is a good viticultural site with soils rich in minerals.
"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," Marris added.
"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."
