Changing times at wineries

Karen and Murray Turner at River-T Wines in the Waitaki have sold "lock, stock and barrel" (as they put it) to Paul and Alisa Nicholls. The transition took place in late January. The couple have relocated from Bannockburn to take over the winery.

With its busy cafe and cellar door, which acts as a sales point for many of the local wineries, River-T has become a very visible part of the Waitaki wine scene.

Karen will stay on initially to help during the handover.

A new chapter for Carrick

The news surrounding Carrick Wines in Bannockburn in the latter part of 2020 was rather gloomy. Having been on the market for some time, the business was put into receivership, followed by the grisly (unsolved) demise of its owner, Elizabeth Zhong.

However, a bright, new chapter began at the end of January with Kiwi couple Tony and Alison Cleland purchasing Carrick.

Having previously built a significant dairy business in Southland, alongside specialist farm management investment company FarmRight, the couple (already Carrick fans) were keen on a new challenge and plan to move onsite to work alongside the existing team to drive the business.

They are eager to promote Carrick’s onsite accommodation offerings, utilise opportunities around the long-anticipated cycle trail and host events at the winery.

‘Wine Spectator’ top 100 wines

Each year, US wine magazine Wine Spectator releases a list of its top-100 wines, which it regards as some of the most exciting available. Scores are based on quality (score), value (price) and availability.

Four New Zealand wines have made the 2020 list: 2018 Felton Road Bannockburn pinot noir (No 14), 2020 Allan Scott Marlborough sav blanc (23), 2019 Invivo SJPX Marlborough sav blanc (66) and 2019 Spy Valley Marlborough sav blanc (73).

It’s great to see New Zealand represented!