He says the property is functioning as a grapevine nursery and vineyard, with associated buildings on site. The 10ha commercial vineyard predominantly contains arneis grapes, with a small area of gewurztraminer. Last year grape production reached 110.7 tonnes - up from 68 tonnes the previous year. Root and library stock makes up 1.5ha, buildings 1.6ha and the remaining 2ha of land is unplanted.
"Several supply contracts are in place for the vineyard's high-quality produce, which a new owner could continue," says Rees-Jones. "In addition, the property could be developed for additional land uses such as creating capacity for wine making on site, or alternatively, for horticultural production."
He says a condition of the sale is the retention of the rootstock block to be leased to Villa Maria for a minimum of five years at $25,000 a year. Management of this block will be undertaken by Villa Maria.
"Karamu Vineyard is endowed with the right characteristics to produce premium wines - given its fertile, free-draining soil, land developed for grape/vine production and an ideal microclimate allowing the grapes to mature to perfect ripeness," says Rees-Jones.
The property has three water permits with well water pumped to the house and buildings, irrigation drip units and for part overhead sprinkler frost protection. The vineyard is also protected by two frost fans.
Vineyard buildings comprise a 4sq m pump shed, 90sq m store shed and a 234sq m main shed used as a grafting room, laboratory, workshop, break room, an office, toilet and shower facilities. A 136sq m three-bedroom brick home built in 1990 has a private lawn and gardens and a double garage.
Schools, Hastings' town centre, the railway station and a number of other services and amenities are all less than 10km from the property.
Rees-Jones says Villa Maria, which exports its wines to more than 50 countries, has earned the title of New Zealand's most awarded wine company for the past 30 years, winning multiple national and international awards including New Zealand Winery of the Year, New Zealand Wine Company of the Year, and numerous trophies and gold medals.
"Karamu Vineyard has played a key role in the winery's operation as its grapevine nursery block and rootstock source as well as providing the company with arneis and gewurztraminer plants," he says.
Rees-Jones says Hawkes Bay is recognised as a quality wine producer where the industry is flourishing. This was recognised by the recent Air NZ wine awards where Hawkes Bay chardonnays, syrahs and other red wines were award winners.
"The sale of this distinctive property offers exciting opportunities for growth and expansion, allowing a new owner to put their own individual stamp on Karamu Vineyard," says Rees-Jones.
