It was a grand occasion with all the first-class fittings expected at the official opening of the $40 million Elephant Hill Estate and Winery. The newest instalment on the Hawke's Bay wine trail, sited between Haumoana and Te Awanga, was filled with more than 100 of the wine industry's major playerswho were more than impressed with the mammoth structure that was seven years in the making. Principle owners Reydan and Roger Weiss from Germany were officially welcomed onto the site by a powhiri conducted by local kapahaka group Paearau. Kaumatua Joe Northover and Mayor Lawrence Yule welcomed the couple to the region and praised them for their entrepreneurial skills. Mr Yule said it was businesses such as Elephant Hill that helped put the Hastings district on the world map. Tukituki MP Craig Foss brought with him a special message from new Prime Minister John Key. "I appreciate and acknowledge the importance of the wine industry to the economy and tourism," Mr Key said. Mr Key, as the new minister of tourism, said he looked forward to working with the Weiss family and others from the local wine industry. Mr Weiss, the man of the moment, spoke of the first time he and his wife discussed the concept of a vineyard after visiting the region in 2001. "I not only took it as an offer but a challenge," Mr Weiss said. The first Elephant Hill vines were planted in 2003 and the inaugural vintage started in 2006. "I decided if you really want to do it, do it right," he said. "I wanted the right location, the right wines, the right quality, the right architecture and the right staff members." Mr Weiss said despite being young, Elephant Hill had already gained recognition and demand is strong - perhaps a preview of a bright future ahead.
