Peter Yealands, the Founder of Yealands Wines, has sadly passed away on 30 November 2024 in Blenheim, New Zealand.
A visionary and a true pioneer, Peter was known for his boundless imagination, tireless energy, and unwavering passion. He was a man who not only transformed the New Zealand wine industry but also left an indelible mark on the wider business landscape.
Peter’s entrepreneurial journey was one of diverse ventures, marked by his success in industries ranging from construction and engineering to marine farming and viticulture.
His insatiable curiosity and drive led him to establish a series of successful businesses, from obtaining New Zealand’s first marine farming licence to pioneering mussel farming in the Marlborough Sounds. He also created the Kaiuma Deer Estate and designed vital maritime equipment like ship buoys and life rafts, each endeavour reflecting his unrelenting determination and ingenuity.
However, it was in the world of wine that Peter truly made his lasting legacy. In 1998, he planted his first vineyard in the Wairau Valley, and two years later, he saw potential in the wild, rugged terrain of the Awatere Valley. Peter purchased a block of land there and began developing the Yealands Seaview Vineyard, an area many at the time deemed unsuitable for grape growing. His faith in the land and his vision proved prescient, as the vineyard grew to become one of New Zealand’s largest and most coastal single vineyard sites.
The Yealands Estate Winery officially opened in 2008, and Peter quickly set ambitious goals that would come to define the company. His objectives were clear: to be among New Zealand’s top wine producers, to create the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, and to establish Yealands as the world’s most sustainable winery. It wasn’t long before his commitment to excellence was recognised internationally. In 2012, just four years after opening the winery, Yealands Estate Single Block Sauvignon Blanc S1 was named the world’s best at the International Wine Challenge – an extraordinary achievement that cemented Peter’s vision and dedication.
Peter was also a true environmental pioneer. His passion for sustainability in viticulture came long before it became a global trend, and he was determined to build a business that would thrive in harmony with nature. His transformation into an environmentalist was born from a profound respect for the land he worked. It was this respect that drove him to develop the world’s first winery to receive carboNZero certification and achieve sustainability milestones that set the benchmark for the entire industry.
Peter retired in 2018, but his core values continued to resonate throughout Yealands Wines. His motto, “Think boldly, tread lightly and never say it can’t be done,” remains a central philosophy within the company, continuing to inspire its people and future generations of wine producers.
Liam Kelly, interim CEO of Yealands Wine Group, paid tribute to the company’s founder.
“While Peter hadn’t been involved with Yealands for some time, his legacy lives on in the business built through his inspiring vision and relentless determination. A number of our team members worked closely with Peter and still talk fondly about him. We extend our condolences to the family,” he said.
Peter’s legacy of bold thinking, environmental stewardship, and tireless innovation will continue to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and viticulturists alike. Yealands Wines will forever be a testament to his extraordinary vision, and his spirit will live on in every bottle produced.
Peter Yealands was, indeed, a very special New Zealander – a true visionary whose influence will be felt for years to come.
National Liquor News, The Shout and Food and Beverage Media would like to extend our condolences to Peter’s family, and the team at Yealands Wine Group.