Ripping out 25,000 healthy vines a lesson for whole NZ economy: winemaker

Ripping out 25,000 healthy vines a lesson for whole NZ economy: winemaker

A Wairarapa winemaker believes there’s an example for the national economy in his risky decision to uproot 25,000 healthy vines and plant a variety that’s less productive, but more profitable. Martinborough’s Murdoch James Estate is ripping out 10 hectares of Sauvignon Blanc, which represents half its annual production, and replacing them with the notoriously tricky, but much higher value Pinot Noir. Adding to the risk of the $300,000 operation is that it could take five years for the new vines to return a full crop.

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