A history of grape production and winemaking in Canterbury, New Zealand 1840-2002

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.