Hawkes Bay vineyards, complete with winery contracts, on market

Two vineyards with contracts to supply high-profile New Zealand wineries are being offered for sale in the Puketapu district of Hawkes Bay.

One is a 9ha property in Moteo Road, Puketapu, 18km west of Napier on an elevated terrace with views. The Moteo Terrace vineyard encompasses 3.7ha of merlot, 2.1ha of cabernet sauvignon and 1.5ha of chenin blanc, all planted in the late 1990s.

The vineyard has a lease contract with Villa Maria Wines Ltd, which has close to seven years left to run.

Glyn Rees-Jones of Bayleys Hawkes Bay, who is marketing the property in conjunction with Gary Brooks, says the property contains fertile free-draining sandy loam soil, which is particularly suitable for the grape varieties selected.

The vineyard's position on a natural terrace close to the Tutaekuri River also appears to generate sufficient air flow to mitigate damage by seasonal frosts, he says.

Rees-Jones says the property has an excellent vineyard and domestic water supply. The vineyard is watered by a six-zone irrigation system, while domestic water is supplied via a bore to a tank near the house.

Buildings include a four-bedroom home with large living areas set in attractive grounds. It was built in the late-1990s. There is also a three-bay implement shed containing a lock-up workshop

Rees-Jones says the property is a productive vineyard that has been maintained to a high standard.

Given the manageable size of the vineyard and the fact that it features a quality home, the property could potentially appeal to a lifestyle purchaser or somebody looking for a retirement property producing an income.

The property is being sold by expressions of interest, closing February 10.

Bayleys Hawkes Bay is marketing a larger vineyard, Moteo Wines, also in Moteo Rd and also being offered for sale by expressions of interest.

The 15ha Moteo Wines Vineyard backs on to the Tutaekuri River and is in two titles, with land of flat contour.

It was established in the 1980s and has about 13.5ha planted in grape vines, with the main varieties being merlot, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and semillon.

Moteo Wines has contracts to supply three Hawkes Bay wineries.

Last year's vintage produced 116 tonnes of grapes, which was down from the previous year's 126 tonnes. The reduced vintage was common across the grape growing areas of New Zealand last year.

Rees-Jones says the property and neighbouring holdings adjoining the Tutaekuri River are recognised locally for their natural fertility.

The climate is generally mild with average rainfall of about 900mm a year, which makes the area eminently suitable for viticulture.

Buildings on the property include a three-bedroom home, single men's quarters and assorted sheds.