Vineyard could be just what the doctor ordered
A highly productive Marlborough organic sauvignon blanc vineyard — which also contains chic, modern premises housing a medical practice — has been placed on the market.
The property, in Rapaura, just north of Blenheim, consists of some 7ha of established sauvignon blanc vine plantings which are BioGrow organic certified. Sitting among the vines is a four-year-old 208sq m designer home, which has been converted into a medical practice.
The vineyard is currently leased to a wine company, with the lessee paying rates, power, and insurance for the vineyard portion in one of Marlborough’s premier sauvignon blanc locales, the Wairau Plains.
With organic sauvignon blanc in high demand, the lease could easily be re-negotiated for a longer term or the new owner could add significant value and have wine made under a single vineyard label.
Meanwhile, a new lease could be negotiated with the medical practice or the purchaser could use the premises.
The rectangular-shaped property is 8.25ha. The rural productive land and land housing the medical centre are rated separately with Marlborough District Council.
The freehold land and buildings at 41 Murrays Rd, Rapaura, are being marketed through Colliers Marlborough with offers closing on 31 August.
Sales director Andy Poswillo says the property’s primary production and building assets offer a broad range of opportunities for any new owner in a premium location, close to Blenheim CBD, in the heart of the internationally acclaimed wine region.
“With dual revenue streams from two very different economic sectors, the greater property is one of the most rural-based diversified investment propositions you are likely to find anywhere in New Zealand,” Poswillo says.
“There is the opportunity for a new owner to negotiate a new lease for the property with the existing vineyard tenant, or to look at providing other wineries in the region, which are always on the lookout for more highquality sauvignon blanc fruit.
“We have already had several wine companies – buoyed by the site’s BioGrow certification for producing organic high-quality sauvignon blanc grapes – interested in taking on the Murrays Rd lease when it comes up for renewal. This interest will be made available to any new owner.
“Meanwhile, there is also the potential to negotiate a lease with the established medical centre, or to return the building to its residential designation for occupation. In its current configuration, we believe it is the only such vineyard/medical centre property in New Zealand.”
Poswillo says the medical centre was originally designed as an
upmarket north-facing four-bedroom home with fully double-glazed windows, open-plan living and dining areas, ensuites attached to two bedrooms and heat pumps. The single-storey building has its own car parking and is fenced off from the vineyard activities.