Prime Minister opens new Brancott Estate Heritage Centre

Media release Tuesday 18th October

Prime Minister opens new Brancott Estate Heritage Centre
in the Marlborough wine region

The Brancott Estate Heritage Centre in Marlborough has been officially opened by Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key at a special event celebrating the New Zealand wine brand’s long heritage in the region.

The impressive new building, which sits on an elevated site overlooking the historic Brancott Vineyard where Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was first planted, is expected to become a key attraction within the region for both domestic and international visitors.

Fabian Partigliani, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard New Zealand, says the official opening is a true celebration of the past, present and future.

“We are exceptionally proud of our new Heritage Centre as a showcase for Brancott Estate and are particularly honoured to have it officially opened by the Prime Minister. The Brancott Estate Heritage Centre epitomises the very best of what the Marlborough region and New Zealand has to offer in its leading edge design, whilst maintaining the integrity of the natural landscape and maximising the majestic views over the iconic vineyard,” says Mr Partigliani.

The Marlborough region attracts around 1.5 million visitors annually* and Mr Partigliani says it is hoped that Brancott Estate Heritage Centre will take its place as an important asset within the region’s established wine tourism industry.

“We are very proud of this new home for Brancott Estate which offers a valuable platform from which to honour the origins and location of the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc plantings, and the success of the varietal that has gone on to become the world’s favourite New Zealand wine style,” says Mr Partigliani.

“Both domestic and international visitors now have the opportunity to enjoy this special spot in New Zealand’s history and appreciate first-hand the rich heritage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc’s humble beginnings. We are confident that the Centre will become a must see attraction in Marlborough, thanks to its unparalleled views over the iconic vineyard, the famous Marlborough wine region and beyond – with views extending as far as the North Island on a clear day.”

Construction of the building began late in 2010 and is the design of renowned New Zealand designers Jeff Fearon and Tim Hay, of Fearon Hay Architects. The Brancott Estate Heritage Centre is home to wine tasting facilities, cellar door and a 40 seat restaurant.

The Brancott Estate Heritage Centre provides visitors with a number of educational and entertaining wine experiences, with each offering an insight into the history of the Marlborough winegrowing region and the story behind Brancott Estate wines. ‘The Mastery of Marlborough of Sauvignon Blanc’ experience allows visitors to discover the pioneering spirit behind the creation of the wine style that has enchanted the world, concluding with a tutored wine tasting demonstrating the diversity of the terroir and how it shapes the wine.

A second wine experience entitled ‘The Living Land’ shares with visitors how Brancott Estate wines are created with the natural environment in mind. It also offers visitors the chance to meet the rare and endangered native New Zealand Falcon, as part of Brancott Estate’s proud partnership with the Marlborough Falcon Trust.

The Brancott Estate Heritage Centre is open seven days a week 10.00am - 4.30pm.

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