PRESS RELEASE: 7 December 2006
Amisfield Wine Company Officially Opens State-Of-The-Art Facility
Amisfield Wine Company’s state-of-the-art wine production facility at its Lowburn vineyard in Central Otago will be
officially opened on December 12 marking the launch of one of the wine industry’s most innovative and cutting edge
facilities.
The facility has been operational for six months and processed over 400 tonnes of top quality grapes this season which
was a record vintage for the winery.
Three hundred tonnes of Pinot Noir and 100 tonnes of aromatic wines including Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling
varieties were produced.
The distinctive rustic building designed by winery architect Charlie Nott of Christchurch uses high-tech technology to
achieve the winery’s focus on sustainability.
Amisfield Winemaker Jeff Sinnott says the company’s ‘grown not made’ philosophy is reflected throughout the winery where
there is a hands-off approach.’
“The impact of the winemaker needs to be minimal to get the best results. The production facility has allowed us to
follow our sustainable approach. In fact it did everything and then some. We are very excited about the first vintage
produced here.”
A New Zealand first custom built recycled waste plant has been installed in association with the new production facility
which is creating widespread interest.
“In line with our ongoing philosophy of environmental sustainability we decided to internalise all the waste stream
management. While the technology is not new the application certainly is quite different to what has been achieved in
the past.”
The waste from the winery is channelled through aquatic plants in a wetland area which has been established as part of
the treatment system. The water is used to irrigate the vineyard and the solid waste is composted and added back to the
soil to provide essential nutrients.
Amisfield general manager Fleur Caulton says the opening of the production facility on December 12 is a milestone for
the company.
“We are delighted with the purpose built facility which is achieving everything we had hoped it would. It is a superbly
designed and constructed building which has enhanced the vineyard and provided Amisfield with an even stronger presence
in Central Otago.”
The opening will be attended by key wine industry and trade representatives, media and Amisfield staff and will be
followed by a ‘long lunch’ at the vineyard.
The Amisfield production facility was project managed by Peter Soundy of Peak Projects International. Apollo Projects of
Christchurch were the construction project managers and a number of Central Otago subcontractors assisted on the
project.
Ends