2.07.2018
Leading New Zealand winery-based hospitality business placed on the market for sale
One of New Zealand’s biggest winery-based tourism and hospitality operations – encompassing the Mahana Estates
vineyards, function centre, restaurant, and high-end accommodation – has been placed on the market for sale.
One of New Zealand’s biggest winery-based tourism and hospitality operations – encompassing vineyards, a function
centre, restaurant, and high-end accommodation – has been placed on the market for sale.
Mahana Estates just west of Nelson generates income from four revenue streams which operate both independently and
conjunction with each other.
The Mahana Estates property portfolio encompasses:
• A 21-hectare vineyard planted in pinot noir, pinot gris, Riesling and chardonnay
• A nine hectare sauvignon blanc vineyard in the nearby region of Hope
• A 2,589 square metre four-level winery capable of crushing 500 tonnes of grapes annually and sustained by its
own on-site cellaring facility and bottling plant which operates on a gravity feed system to minimize the need for pumps
• A cellar door tasting room and retail outlet which also operates as an a-la-carte restaurant capable of hosting
up to 100 people standing or 40 guests seated
• A separate commercial-grade function and events venue for weddings and corporate bookings in rooms such as the
tank floor which is capable of hosting up to 200 guests in a seated format, along with the more intimate barrel room,
wine library and show cellar
• An upmarket lodge featuring three residences capable of accommodating 14 guests at a time.
Now both the Mahana Estates vineyards, winery building and plant operations at 243 Old Coach Road – including the Mahana
label - retail outlet, restaurant, function catering business, and luxury accommodation amenities are being marketed for
sale by tender through Bayleys Marlborough, with tenders closing at 4pm on July 13.
Bayleys Marlborough Salesperson Mike Poff said Mahana Estate’s multiple revenue streams were seamlessly
vertically-integrated from vine to glass, while also enjoying the flexibility of being able to operate under their own
entity.
“Mahana Estates is essentially founded on its vineyard operations, which in turn sustain the winery crushing plant,
storage and bottling. From there, the label is marketed and sold through both the hospitality and retail sectors, and
directly from its own cellar door,” he said.
“A portion of product is also served at both the Mahana’s tasting room restaurant, and to a larger scale, through the
function and event business. While on one hand this means a zero carbon footprint for stock delivery – which is
literally brought upstairs from the wine cave – it also means a better profit margin by negating the need for any
wholesaler or retailer.
“The function venue, and to a lesser degree the restaurant, also sustain the accommodation aspect of the greater Mahana
Estates brand. With the capability of housing up to 14 guests in quite salubrious luxury, the lodge is the perfect
location for accommodating guests attending functions such as weddings or for corporate delegates using the location for
on-site meetings or incentive programmes.
“Meanwhile for the leisure market, Mahana Estates has the lure of its accommodation being the magnet, with guests able
to eat and drink on site at the cellar door restaurant. It’s the perfect symbiotic business model.
“The industrial surroundings of the tanks, vats and barrels adds to the ambience of the venue, which is serviced by two
full commercial kitchens.
“Adjacent to the function room and winery is Mahana’s cellar door retail facility and a 60 seat restaurant. The function
rooms and restaurant are serviced by two separate commercial kitchens – between them featuring a combi’ oven, standard
overs, several four-burner gas hobs, deep fryers, grillers, heavy duty dish washing and drying plant, and walk in fridge
and freezer units.”
Mr Poff said that in addition to owning the 30 hecatres of vineyards, Mahana Estates also leased an additional
20-hectare site. In the 2017 harvest, the combined plantings produced 268 tonnes of grapes – of which 153 tonnes was
bottled under the Mahana label. The first vines were planted at the property in 2000.
“The winery is currently operating well below capacity – choosing to concentrate on quality of product over quantity,”
he said.
The Mahana Estates business employs up to 10 staff in the winery and vineyards, with an additional13 staff in
housekeeping, and part-time food and beverage and cooking personnel to service function bookings. Mahan Estates is
licensed to host 22 large-scale functions annually. The restaurant is open daily for lunches and as required to service
guests staying in the associated lodge rooms.
Mahana wines are sold at three quality points and price – entry level, mid-range and premium. The label is marketed
throughout New Zealand, Australia and North America. The offering for sale includes some $1.5 million worth of stock on
hand from the past two vintages to ensure a seamless supply of wine for several years while any new owner takes over the
operation.
ends