Carrick Winery and Vineyard, in Bannockburn, has been purchased for an undisclosed amount by Wanaka homeowners Tony and Alison Cleland, who take over ownership at the end of this month.

The Cleland’s have been farming in northern Southland for the last 30 years but have been homeowners in Wanaka for at least 17 years. Tony is also a founder of the farm investment company FarmRight and chairman of FMG Advice and Insurance.

It’s from their home in Wanaka they’ve become regular patrons of Carrick Winery and decided the vineyard presented a new opportunity they felt was the right next move for them.

“We were looking for a new challenge,” Tony said.

He said the combination of the Bannockburn location, which is poised to become a popular destination, and the production of good wine, “the chardonnay is a standout”, meant the chance to purchase Carrick was too good to let pass.

Carrick’s first vines were planted more than 25 years ago. PHOTO: James Jubb Tourism Central Otago

Set on almost 24ha on Lake Dunstan’s Bannockburn inlet, Carrick was first listed for sale in 2019. Re-listed in November last year, it had attracted considerable interest from various parties, despite the downturn in visitors caused by COVID-19 restrictions, before its former owner Elizabeth Zhong died in unusual circumstances in Auckland and the business went into receivership.

Despite this, the sale proceeded relatively smoothly, Tony said, adding it was the resilience and “infectious enthusiasm” of Carrick’s 15 staff that clinched the deal.

He said it speaks volumes about the winery and vineyard that the staff “have stayed positive through these tough times and are still passionate about what they do.”

“We are all very excited about this new transition, after two years of ownership uncertainty,” Carrick’s general manager Cliff Wickman said.

Carrick’s restaurant and outdoor area, which can seat up to 70 guests, is popular for lunches, Tony says. PHOTO: Supplied

Tony said he and Alison were already starting to consider future plans for the business. 

Carrick has an “exceptional chef, and it’s a great place to have lunch and we plan to carry that on,” Tony said, but they also intend to promote the new cycle trail connection from Cromwell to the vineyard, which is scheduled to be officially opened in March, and to use the winery as a venue for local events.

Carrick also has accommodation nestled within its vines, a six-bedroom house and a three bedroom one, designed to a very high standard which would be ideal for groups, he said.

 “We are eager to promote Carrick’s onsite accommodation offerings, utilise opportunities around the long anticipated new cycle trail and host regular events at the winery.”

Tony said he and Alison plan to eventually live onsite and work alongside the existing team “to take the business to the next level”.

Carrick was originally founded by Barbara and Steve Green in 1994 and its winery, underground cellar and restaurant were completed in 2002. The vineyard produces about 500 barrels per year, predominantly Pinot Noir as well as Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Blanc, all of which are certified organic and sustainable. 

It’s chief winemaker Rose Menzies also lives in Wanaka.

PHOTOS: Supplied