The History

Seifrieds was established in 1973, when Hermann and Agnes Seifried planted grapes in the Moutere Valley between Nelson and Motueka.

Austrian born Hermann and his New Zealand wife Agnes chose land sloping gently northwards, where the soil is clay and the area is very sheltered.

The first 2ha of grapes planted out included 14 different Vinifera varieties which were all grafted on to phylloxera-resistant rootstock. 1976 saw the first harvest, with five distinctive varietal wines being made. At that time wine sales were entirely mail order and cellar door.

In 1979 a further 16ha was planted in Redwood Valley. Due to the different climate and soils of this vineyard, the grapes in Redwood Valley ripen slightly earlier than in the Moutere Valley, hence spreading the vintage.

The establishment of the third vineyard took place in 1988 on stony land in the Rabbit Island/Appleby area.

Today the key varieties grown include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.

Currently Seifrieds have over 180 hectares of producing vineyards, with a further 5ha too young to yet be bearing fruit. With 35 permanent employees at the winery/vineyard complex and a further 10 involved in the domestic sales and marketing of the wines, Seifrieds is a company with a strong direction on growth.

In 1993 Seifrieds opened their magnificent Vineyard Restaurant and Function Centre located within the Rabbit Island vineyard. Since opening, it has hosted many weddings, seminars and other functions in a serene, rural atmosphere - the perfect ambience for wine and food to be enjoyed together!

In 1996 Seifrieds operations moved from the original Upper Moutere winery to a new winery complex adjacent to the restaurant on the Rabbit Island vineyard. This move highlights the confidence Seifrieds have in the future of both the Nelson and the New Zealand wine industry.

Exports are a major focus for Seifrieds, with 40% of turnover now coming from international sales. Today Seifried Nelson wines are available in a number of countries around the world, including England, The Republic of Ireland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, The United States of America, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan.

Hermann and Agnes are very active in supporting these export markets. Each year a number of trips are made to attend trade fairs, wine tastings and other promotional events, in an endeavour to support agents in various parts of the world.

A further 5% of production is sold from the cellar door, with the remaining balance being sold in the domestic market.

Wine is marketed in New Zealand under the Seifried, Winemakers Collection and Old Coach Road labels, while Venture Cove, Classic South, Redwood Valley and Rabbit Island are four of Seifrieds main export labels.

Seifrieds have been exporting to Germany and Austria since 1983. In 1986 the first consignment was sent to the UK under the "Redwood Valley" label. The Redwood Valley label has also been served on Virgin Atlantic Airlines periodically since the early 1990's and was the first non-European wine ever selected by them.