A boutique vineyard in the popular North Canterbury wine country is being presented to the market for sale and offers buyers the opportunity to acquire an asset with significant add-value potential.
246 Georges Road, Waipara has 8.3736ha of land with a 270sq m main building that includes the cellar door and wine tasting room, while there is also a 108sq m four-bay implement shed. The property, which previously operated as the Fiddlers Green, is being sold via mortgagee sale.
With ample parking space and surrounding trees providing cover for visitors, the property offers an idyllic setting.
The total planted area covers approximately 5.62ha with a mixture of both riesling and sauvignon blanc. The topography of the vineyard is flat with approximately 1ha of undeveloped lower lying land to the north-east corner. There is one main soil type on the property with the upper terrace comprising of Glasnevin stony silt loam.
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The location of the vineyard is in the Waipara Valley, renowned for its unique soils that contribute to the area’s fertile grape growing conditions. Waipara Valley is located 10km from the popular rural township of Amberley and approximately 55km from Christchurch.
Colliers Rural Sales Advisors Alex Cooney and Richard O’Sullivan have been exclusively appointed to market the property for sale via deadline private treaty closing at 4pm on Wednesday 28 June, unless sold prior.
Originally built in 1996, the main building is separated into three distinct components. The two-level east wing, previously used for the cellar door and bistro, the middle single-storey section that operated as a wine tasting facility, and the two-storey west wing that was used for short-term accommodation.
The building includes three bathrooms, two of which have toilets and basins, while the third features a full bathroom with a shower, vanity, and toilet. There are also north-facing verandas, inviting patios, and solar power capabilities.
The restaurant and cellar door, formerly the primary sources of income at the property, previously held a license for both on and off-site consumption, accommodating up to 75 indoor patrons and 125 outdoor patrons.
The vineyard itself has been designed for ease of operation, featuring well thought out rows with 2.7m spacing and 1.2m gaps between plants. There is 2.42ha of riesling that was planted in 1995, alongside 3.2ha of sauvignon blanc.
An easement provides access to two active resource consents until 2030, allowing a maximum water flow of 2.99 litres per second during summer (higher in winter), supplied via an underground gallery to a shared neighbouring reservoir.
Cooney, Rural Sales Advisor at Colliers Christchurch, says discerning buyers will recognise the vast potential on offer at this property where the motivated vendors are keen to achieve a result.
“With existing facilities, the building blocks are all in place for a new owner to overtake this property and revitalise it with their own strategic approach,” Cooney says.
“The undeveloped land that could be used for further planting exemplifies the significant opportunity to unlock the full potential of the landholding.”
O’Sullivan, Director of Rural at Colliers Christchurch, says the Waipara region has firmly established itself as a quality wine production area.
“While a relatively new wine region, Waipara is becoming well known and appreciated for its riesling and pinot noir wines. The soils of the region are stony and alluvial, while the climate is hot and dry in summer, and often cool, clear, and frosty in winter.
“Almost all of Canterbury’s wineries, including the subject property, can be reached after a short drive from Christchurch, which make them highly appealing for locals and visitors to the area.”
- Article supplied by Colliers
