An Awatere Valley farmer's vision for water storage and vineyard development is a reality and is set for sale this Autumn.
PGG Wrightson Real Estate Nelson/Marlborough Sales Manager Joe Blakiston has listed the 228 hectare property, 14 kilometres south west of Seddon and 38 kilometres south of Blenheim.
Blakiston says the farm's newly completed 250,000 cubic metre reservoir makes it an ideal opportunity for a large viticulture project.
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"This property has been comprehensively assessed and developed with a view to its future use as a commercial vineyard. That includes securing a water right and constructing a four hectare reservoir to store water from the Starborough Creek which is now filling prior to Council code compliance being issued. Initial scoping reports have identified further potential water storage sites which would be of huge benefit to downstream vineyard operations."
According to Blakiston, the unrestricted consent to take 300,000 m3 water from the Starborough Creek, which fills the reservoir, is of a higher clarity than other major schemes, which is a huge insurance policy, given predictions that the current dry conditions are set to become more prevalent.
"This is clear creek water from the farm's own catchment, unlike water from the nearby Awatere River, which can be more cloudy, and therefore problematic for irrigation infrastructure.
"With an annual rainfall of 800 millimetres, across a catchment of 3.5 sq km , there is more than enough water to fill the reservoir, giving a high degree of reliability for any consequential irrigation use, well above projected requirements for grape production," he said.
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"A viticultural consultant's assessment undertaken in 2018 indicates that the soils, climate, water supply and location suit the property to development for good commercial or commercial premium wines, across some 110 hectares of the farm. With Marlborough farm land suitable for viticulture development being used up fast, this is an excellent opportunity for a corporate grower or investor," he said.
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir are identified in the assessment as the most likely grape varieties to thrive on the land.
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"Development blocks with good rights to water remain in demand from corporate buyers, and are at a premium among corporate viticulture interests and investors. Prices for larger parcels of Marlborough viticulture land have been firming for some time as larger companies look to secure future production.
"This is a unique opportunity for a gilt-edged water right and water storage dam second to none in the district, offering an excellent opportunity to plant grapes on a significant scale in a strategic location," said Blakiston.
Deadline Private Treaty (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 12.00pm Wednesday, May 1, 2019 Location: 20 Westwood Ave, Blenheim
