Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Expansion in New Zealand – Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Expansion in New Zealand

Ten years after setting up Rimapere, Edmond de Rothschild Héritage Group is strengthening its presence in New Zealand with the acquisition of Akarua, a vineyard of approximately 52 hectares in the Central Otago region.

In a press release, Edmond de Rothschild Héritage announced that he has reached an agreement with the Skeggs family to acquire 51.9 hectares of Bannockburn in Central Otago, on New Zealand’s South Island. This prestigious acquisition comes ten years after the group’s first foray into this country from the Neptunes, which was marked by the purchase of 24 hectares in Marlborough, Which led to the emergence of the Rimapere brand.

Of the 51.9 hectares, 34.5 hectares are covered with vines, mainly Pinot Noir but also a little Chardonnay and Riesling. Boris Brio, Managing Director explains: The President of Compagnie Viticole Baron Edmond de Rothschild, Alexis de la Palme, informed us of the request of Mrs. de Rothschild, who would like to find the best land in New Zealand to produce a fine wine in Pinot NoirFor her part, Ariane de Rothschild asserts: My husband Benjamin gave new impetus to the family’s wine-growing adventure by exploring the best terrain in remote destinations. Faithful to this development strategy, we are committed to enhancing each vineyard to produce outstanding wine, by striving to transcend local grape varieties. New Zealand, recognized for the excellence of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, is one such lands with great potential.”

Founded in 1996 by New Zealand businessman Sir Clifford Skeggs, Akarua is a well-established brand. Technical guidance will be provided by Anne Escale, who has already been leading Remapper since 2019 and has lived in New Zealand for fifteen years. With its 2,000 hectares of vineyards, Central Otago covers about 5% of the country’s wine production.