French takeover sees Central Otago vineyard go fully organic

One of Central Otago’s largest wineries is about to go fully organic.

Akarua Estate Vineyard was acquired earlier this month by Edmond de Rothschild, a France-based investment firm.

Edmond de Rothschild Heritage chief executive Anne Escalle said the acquisition has been in the works for two years.

“When the Edmond Rothschild family invests, they really want to find a special place, a jewel.”

The company is one of the largest producers in the world and has big plans – Akarua is set to obtain organic certification to meet global demand.

This is the brand’s first foray into the organic market.

Organic Winegrowers NZ chairman Clive Dougall says it’s “quite important” for Esmond de Rothschild to decide to turn a Kiwi vineyard organic.

“There is also a financial benefit, the consumption of organic wine in the world increases by 10% each year,” said Dougall.

“Organic is, in a way, climate action as well, so people are trying to think about the sustainability of their businesses.”

Dr Damien Mather, a senior lecturer at the University of Otago Business School, says organic wines could boost our wine export profits by a billion dollars.

“They’re able to command obviously quite large premiums in the international market…I think that’s going to be a beneficial thing overall.”

Customers can expect small branding and logo changes with the new owners – but Akarua will remain on the label.