Yealands’ Crossroads winery up for sale

New Zealand’s Yealands has put its Crossroads winery in Hawke’s Bay up for sale as it works to expand its Hawke’s Bay grower’s base and consolidate its winemaking operations into Marlborough.

Three separate vineyards, a winery capable of processing 700 tonnes of grapes and a cellar door that currently receives more than 5,000 visitors each year are part of the sales.

The Hawke’s Bay vineyards up for sale include the brand’s 10.98 hectare Home Block vineyard in Korokipo Road, 59.1 hectare Kereru vineyard in Kereru Road, Maraekakaho, and an 11.83 hectare Gimblett Gravels vineyard on Omahu and Mere Roads.

The first two vineyards are planted with a number of varieties, including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, while the Gimblett Gravels title produces Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay varieties.

Some 14 hectares of the Kereru Road block is unplanted and currently leased for cattle wintering activities – allowing for expansion of grape growing land use.

Importantly, the Crossroads brand, business and existing stock, in bottles, barrel and tank, will be retained by Yealands, which acquired Crossroads in 2011 following a merger with wine investment firm Ager Sectus.

The property, which is being marketed by Bayleys, has been put up for sale as Yealands continues to consolidate its winemaking operations into Marlborough. Existing grape-growing contracts with Hawke’s Bay producers will continue, with the grapes being transported to Marlborough.

While Yealands would prefer to sell the entire portfolio as one unit, it is open to selling the vineyards and winery separately. A tender process for the winery and vineyards is expected to close on 29 September.