By Deb Jackson and Andy Young
Wineries across New Zealand are currently assessing their damage following Monday’s 7.5 magnitude earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks.
New Zealand's Marlborough region. Credit: NZWine.com
The initial reports suggest most wineries are reporting the damage as minor, following the earthquake which struck 90kms north-east of Christchurch at 12.02am on Monday.
“We have emailed all our members in the affected areas and as far as we can tell all our people are safe, which is great news” said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers.
“Wineries are now very much in assessment and clean up mode. There have been plenty of reports of broken bottles and damaged tanks which is what you would expect in an earthquake of this size, but most wineries are reporting any damage as minor.”
Yealands winery reported that there is some damage at its winery, but thankfully no personnel were harmed.
In a statement on Monday, Yealands said: “We are extremely grateful that everyone in our immediate family is safe and unharmed.
"There was some damage as you would expect, but the team onsite are doing a great job at getting things in order and pushing ahead to get us back up and running as quickly as possible. Our priority continues to be family and safety.
"We thank you for all the kind words and support and look forward to raising a glass with you all very soon."
Tim Lightbourne the Co-Founder and Director of Invivo Wines told TheShout: "It is pretty nervy for those in the quake affected areas, and there are a few terrible stories out there.
"We are all ok, our growers in Marlborough were a bit shaken up but no problems. A processing and winery plant we use in Blenheim is also fine and only suffered some minor damage.
"Our own winery is further up the North Island in Te Kauwhata (45mins south of Auckland) quite far away from the quakes. So all fine there."
Whitehaven Wines tweeted: “Our cellar door is open for business, just minor damage. See you all soon.”
While the team from St Clair said: “After a shakey night here in Marlborough, we’re happy to say all our staff are safe and well.” The winery added that there were a “few smashed bottles and a bit of a tidy up required.”
Giesen Wines also reported a similar situation, saying: “Thanks for the support after the earthquake. We were shaken but the Giesen family, staff and families are safe.”