Brent Marris, the owner and winemaker behind New Zealand’s Marisco Vineyards, which produces the Ned and the King’s Series wines, has bought a 2,000 ha property in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough and is on the lookout for more sites to buy.

The Leefield Station property dates back to the 1840s when it was originally settled by Constantine Dillon. The acquisition means Marris and Marisco Vineyards now have 2,265 ha of potential viticultural land at their disposal in the Waihopai Valley.

Marris plans to plant 100ha of vines over the next growing season to allow Marisco to cope with future supply requirements. Sales are increasing at the equivalent of 100ha of vineyard a year, and  Marris is on the lookout for other opportunities to buy developed vineyards in order to meet long-term global demand.

Marris said: “This property is a prime viticultural site because of its position within a glacial valley filled with mineral rich soil and beautiful rolling foothills. We intend to plant our vineyards next season, but will also retain the traditions of high value sheep and beef production on the property. We are a Marlborough family and business through-and-through, we understand and are deeply committed to celebrating the historical, social and cultural significance of Leefield Station.”

“When we started looking for a new property we knew we wanted to keep our wine business within Marlborough. Our existing Waihopai Valley vineyard has won 33 gold medals and seven trophies in eight countries over the last three years which is a true testament to what the Waihopai Valley can produce if vineyards are grown and managed well.”