A technical, marketing and financial overview of the Canterbury wine grape system

Abstract

Over the past decade, the face of Canterbury viticulture has changed substantially. This dissertation documents those changes and ascertains why certain cultivars were planted in Canterbury.

A systems study of the Canterbury wine grape industry is presented incorporating production, economic and marketing aspects. A literature review incorporated current world and New Zealand statistics on vineyard areas and wine production and trade. Survey results from all known wine grape growers in Canterbury are presented.

There are 215 ha planted, 141 ha of white and 74 ha of red cultivars. Pinot Noir and Riesling represent 47 ha each. Chardonnay (38 ha) has rapidly emerged as a promising cultivar and there is increasing interest in Sauvignon Blanc.

An economic analysis revealed that annual gross returns are insufficient to cover direct costs. Estimated gross returns per hectare were low; Chardonnay $5700, Pinot Noir $5466, Riesling $4900, Sauvignon Blanc $4900, Merlot $5600 and Cabernet Franc $5600 are the cultivars recommended with most potential, but yields and prices for these are still too low to make the industry economically viable. Key problems identified include: • limited knowledge on, and certified availability of reliable clones • low yields resulting from original planting of poor clones • bird damage • seasonal climatic variation • spacing and training factors • lack of a suitable database for reliable management decisions Suggestions are made on the future direction for the Canterbury industry with emphasis on coordinated husbandry / economic / marketing research.