A history of grape production and winemaking in Canterbury, New Zealand 1840-2002
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Authors
Date
2002
Type
Other
Fields of Research
Abstract
Grapes were first planted in Canterbury in 1840, but commercial production only began
in 1978. This research paper examines the history of grape and wine production in
Canterbury. It considers the different factors constraining the commercial development
of wine production initially and reviews the key actors and processes influencing
developments since then. The role of Lincoln College, later University, is shown to be
pivotal to the development of grape growing and wine making in Canterbury and the
cooler parts of New Zealand. While Canterbury has only a small part of the overall New
Zealand vineyard area, its contribution, through Lincoln, to research, publication,
education and development of the New Zealand Wine Industry has been considerable.
Canterbury is currently enjoying a period of rapid vineyard development.
This research report provides much of the historical detail underlying the first three
chapters of Canterbury Grapes and Wines 1840-2002 by Danny Schuster, David Jackson
and Rupert Tipples (2002, Shoal Bay Press: Christchurch). It is the working document of
an industry historian and first hand observer of the developments since 1977. As such, it
is not a polished final publication manuscript of the form which appears in the book, but
very much the working document, with all the limitations implied.