Foley Wines has announced a multi-million-dollar development in Martinborough to begin construction later this year.
The hospitality destination will be home to Foley Wines’ brands Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin and will include a restaurant, private dining, tasting room, underground barrel hall, and distillery. On the edge of the Martinborough Terrace, it will be the perfect location to enjoy local wine, gin and dining while taking in the spectacular rolling hills surrounding Martinborough.
“Martinborough is a region that more and more wine lovers are getting excited about. We’re committed to investing in the high-quality brands we have here both in terms of winemaking and creating a memorable visitor destination that showcases Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin,” said CEO Mark Turnbull.
The restaurant will seat 100 people inside with additional capacity in the private dining room and outdoor terrace, and the ability to host weddings. With a menu celebrating produce of the local region, it will be a destination for New Zealanders to enjoy their own backyard as well as overseas visitors.
The tasting room will showcase the wines of pioneering Martinborough wineries, Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyards, with guided tastings and bottles to takeaway. The underground barrel hall will meet the growing needs of the Te Kairanga Winery on the same property.
Lighthouse Gin’s new distillery within the development will give it the space and design to meet its ever-growing demand with a custom-built copper still commissioned from German distillery manufacturer CARL. Visitors will be able to see the distiller at work while enjoying a Lighthouse Gin & Tonic.
The building has been designed by award-winning architect Charlie Nott. With Depot Eatery, Best Ugly Bagels and the Amisfield Winery in his portfolio, Nott has brought a rich understanding of wineries and hospitality to create a building that will be both functional and inviting.
“I have always been passionate about the Wairarapa both in terms of the exceptional wines we produce but also its tourism,” said Bill Foley, Chairman of Foley Wines.
“My family continues to invest in Wharekauhau Country Estate, the Lodge we personally own in the region. I believe that investment at Te Kairanga will benefit our brands incredibly but also the broader economy in the greater Wellington region.”
“The continued investment in this very special region is a real vote of confidence in both tourism and our wine industry,” said South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen, who was delighted with the news.
“Foley Wines and Bill Foley have for years continued to invest in the community and economy here in the South Wairarapa. This additional investment provides more employment and income for the region, and cements Foley Wines as a key contributor to our economy.”
Foley Wines is a collection of iconic wineries and brands from New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine regions. Each with a unique story of New Zealand to tell, its wineries are linked by a common unrelenting purpose; to make great wine that people love to drink around the world.
