Clyde, Central Otago, New Zealand – 30th November 2023

Monte Christo Winery, the birthplace of Central Otago wine, is thrilled to announce its grand opening, inviting wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike to explore the rich heritage of New Zealand winemaking and enjoy a unique guest experience. Located in the heart of Central Otago, Monte Christo Winery promises to be a destination like no other.

The history of Monte Christo Winery dates back to 1864 when French pioneer Jean Désiré Féraud planted grapevines and later produced the first wines in Central Otago, setting the stage for what would become a thriving winemaking region. Féraud’s innovative spirit and vision laid the foundation for irrigation, viticulture, and winemaking in the region.

Today, the Paris family, the current custodians of the property, are committed to producing some of the world’s most distinguished Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines using organic, sustainable, and regenerative farming methods on their 22 hectares of vineyards.

The Paris family is dedicated to raising awareness of Central Otago wines on the world stage, and by restoring the winery building and continuing Féraud’s legacy, they are contributing to the region’s growth and recognition.

The inaugural wine releases include limited-production 2023 Central Otago Rosé, 2023 Central Otago Pinot Gris, 2022 Central Otago Chardonnay, 2022 Central Otago Pinot Noir, 2022 Alexandra Pinot Noir, and 2022 Bannockburn Pinot Noir. There is also a second label, 2022 CENTRAL Pinot Noir.

There’s something for everyone at Monte Christo Winery. The grounds include plenty of outdoor seating, a play area for children, and a pétanque or bocce court. There will be an unveiling of an underground wine cellar later this summer with space for larger group functions, private events, and more.

Open 7 days a week in the summer months from 10am – 6pm, guests at Monte Christo Winery can expect a memorable experience that includes:

CELLAR DOOR

Monte Christo’s cellar door is housed in the original stone winery, meticulously restored in collaboration with Heritage New Zealand. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, wine education and genuine Southern family hospitality.

EAT

Monte Christo offers a delightful, relaxed culinary experience at “Fritzy,” the food trailer café. Our in-house chef uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a range of specialty sandwiches, artisanal pizzas, platters, snacks, and barista-made coffee. The outdoor garden provides the perfect setting to relax, enjoy a light snack or lunch, and savour a glass of wine.

STAY

Stay at the historic Monte Christo Winery in Central Otago. Well-appointed guest cottages offer the perfect retreat for couples, friends, and families alike. Cottage amenities include luxury furnishings, fully self-contained kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, and outdoor patios.

For more information and bookings, please visit www.montechristowinery.co.nz or contact +64 3 664 6644.

About Monte Christo Winery

Monte Christo Winery is the birthplace of Central Otago wine, with a rich history dating back to 1864 when the first grapevines were planted in the region. The Paris family, current custodians of the property, are committed to producing distinguished Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines using organic, sustainable, and regenerative farming methods on their 22 hectares of vineyards. The meticulously restored original stone winery now stands as a testament to Central Otago’s winemaking heritage.

Media Release on 30 November 2023

Media Contact
Ryann Calder, Monte Christo Winery
ryann.calder@montechristowinery.co.nz
027 228 7781
www.montechristowinery.co.nz

MIL OSI

Eco-friendly hotel supplier, Spire NZ, is excited to launch their plastic-free hotel amenities in New Zealand. The new range, available from October, will help more hoteliers and guest accommodation providers tackle the plastic waste problem.

Room for change
Hotel toiletries have become a ubiquitous part of the guest experience, but this cheap thrill comes at a massive price to the environment. Even though many of these bottles are recyclable, millions of them end up in the bin every year. Plastic pollution is a growing concern for travellers and the hotel industry, yet few options are available to eliminate plastic.

A plastic-free solution
Spire NZ make ‘naked’ eco-friendly hotel guest soaps and solid All in ONE shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars that are 100% plastic-free. Each All in ONE bar replaces the need for three separate hotel toiletry minis, saving unnecessary plastic bottles from ending up in landfills.

Eco-good in more ways than one
Spire NZs biodegradable, plant-based formula is free from sulphates, parabens and preservatives, which saves unnecessary chemicals going down the drain and into our waterways. Plus, less water is used in the production than liquid soaps, shampoos and conditioners. Spire NZ make the bars locally in NZ to reduce the company’s carbon footprint too.

Eco-luxe, something a bit special
To ensure guests feel pampered, the guest size All in ONE shampoo, conditioner and body wash bars are made with salon quality ingredients, to gently wash and hydrate hair and skin without stripping natural oils.

The artisan hand soaps are hand crafted for a more luxurious feel. Spire NZ’s hand soaps are made using skin loving oils such as olive oil and shea butter which moisturize skin while gently cleansing it.

About Spire NZ
Spire NZ started in the kitchen of keen traveller Melissa Parker Bentley when she saw the need to find a solution for more environmentally friendly hotel toiletries. The company has stepped up its production capabilities and is ready to hit the ground running. Melissa is on a mission to help hoteliers offer guests plastic-free hotel amenities that look, feel and smell lovely to enhance the guest experience.

Going Global
To have the greatest impact on reducing plastic waste in the world, Spire NZ is going global.
Spire NZ is working with a manufacturer in the Netherlands and will be launching a European version of its All in ONE bar within the next few months.

With the single-use plastic ban in hotels coming into California and a number of other US states in 2023, Spire NZ is working towards offering a US made All in ONE bar in 2022.

Media Release on 15 October 2021

Media Contact
Melissa Parker Bentley, Spire NZ Limited
melissa@spirenz.com
https://www.spirenz.com/

MIL OSI

Well-appointed and beautifully designed, this Glendhu Ready to Build plan is built for first and foremost family living, featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate laundry, office, and generous open-plan kitchen/living/dining area.

Like all Landmark homes, the Showhome is designed to the environment it’s built in, with a weatherboard exterior in dark muted colours, perfectly in keeping with its rugged mountain vista. The home’s interior design is heavily influenced by nature too – with timber flooring, timber feature walls and cabinetry, concrete benchtops, and stone vanities in the bathroom.

This is a clever Showhome that packs a big punch for its 166m² footprint!

Special Features:

• Four bedrooms, two bathrooms, separate office, and laundry
• Master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, and shower ensuite
• Open-plan central/dining/living area opening onto a sheltered patio
• Family bathroom with shower and freestanding bath
• Can be turned into a dual-living home

About Landmark Homes Wãnaka
Premium new home builder Landmark Homes Wãnaka is an award-winning Registered Master Builder serving the wider Central Otago region. The team are experts at creating bespoke homes that fit perfectly amongst the lakes and mountains.

Central Otago – Wānaka

Visit the Showhome from Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00am – 2.00pm

Contact the team:
0800 477 110 or 027 7034037

Media Release on 7 May 2021

Media Contact
Jeneva Snodgrass, Landmark Homes
Email: info@landmarkhomes.co.nz
Phone: 0800 477 110
Website: wwww.landmarkhomes.co.nz

MIL OSI

(PR.co.nz)  CLAAS Harvest Centre, Otago has announced the appointment of Daniel Scoles to the role of Dealer Principal as part of a succession plan that will eventually see him take over the family-owned dealership.

Daniel has almost nearly 20 years’ experience in the farm machinery sector, including the past four years as Dealer Principal with Power Farming Otago.
Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson, says the announcement will ensure the continuity of one of the country’s oldest CLAAS dealerships.

“Steve and Jo Scoles have built one of Otago’s largest and most successful farm
machinery dealerships over the past 27 years,” Richard says.

“We are delighted that the business is set to remain in family hands and that Daniel has re-joined the CLAAS Harvest Centre network. “Daniel knows the farm machinery business from all angles and has the runs on the board as a Dealer Principal.

“Steve and Jo will remain actively involved in the business, which is great news for their team and their customers.

“We see great long-term opportunities for professionally-managed and independently owned dealerships in the CLAAS Harvest Centre network, such as Otago.”

Daniel joined his family’s business in 2002 after spending a season with a contracting team.

He initially worked as workshop and parts administrator before progressing to parts and then sales manager, interspersed with stints at CLAAS UK, Cooke Howlinson Limited and Landpower Southland.

In 2016, he left to become Area Sales Manager with Groeneveld Lubrication Solutions and then Dealer Principal with Power Farming Otago.

“I’d been with Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre on and off for about 15 years and it was time to get out, learn new things and take on a leadership role on my own,” he says.

Daniel says he is looking forward to returning to the CLAAS Harvest Centre network.

“I’ve grown up with this business – it’s been so much of my career and family life,” he says. “I really love the machinery and the people, two things I definitely missed in the roles I have had outside the farm machinery industry.”

Daniel, who has completed a diploma of business, sees plenty of opportunities for
growth.

“We have the Otago region covered geographically, so the real opportunity is to grow the product while maintaining our current customer base,” he says.
“The CLAAS, AMAZONE and JCB ranges have increased significantly over the past 20 years and are continuing to do so.

“In the meantime, our focus will remain on providing the best service to our customers so they don’t want to go anywhere else.”

His father, Steve Scoles, worked as a farm machinery service technician for 15 years before he established his own business in 1993.

“I started servicing tractors from the back of my ute,” he says. “Within a couple of months, two other mechanics were working with me from a small workshop in Momona.

“Pretty soon we were selling second-hand machinery and by the end of the first year, we chalked up our first major sale, a CLAAS QUADRANT square baler.

“We became the first Landpower franchise in New Zealand in 1995 and built our
workshop and showroom at Allanton three years later.”

Landpower Otago was rebadged as a CLAAS Harvest Centre in 2010.
A second branch was opened in Wanaka in 2013 and then a service hub in Ranfurly followed in 2019.

Steve attributes the growth of the business to having a strong customer focus.
“Being local and family-owned means we have a totally different way of doing business and how we treat our customers,” he says.

“My customers know that they can call me and that I will either answer their call or get back to them as soon as I can.

“Jo and I will remain actively involved in the business – just not 70 hours a week!”
More than two thirds of the dealership’s 28 staff are engaged in service roles.
“Service has always been the backbone of our business and it’s still as important as ever,” Steve says.

“Anyone can sell a machine but if you want to make another sale, then you have to
provide service.

“A big part of being able to do this is finding quality staff, training them and then
keeping them.

“We are big believers in apprenticeships – we want them to start with us and then stay with us.”

Media Release 3 February 2020.

MIL OSI

The stunning showhome has all the hallmarks of a fantastic and functional family home – boasting four double bedrooms, central living and dining area, separate lounge, study, laundry, and scullery.

Landmark Homes’ New Home Consultant Trish Dryden says the Richmond Ready to Build plan was chosen for the show home because of its aesthetic. Situated only a stones-throw away from Pisa Moorings, the gabled Hamptons-style profile is a nod to the nautical lakeside spot. “We wanted a design that complemented the area – and the Richmond has that classic Hampton’s feel.”

It didn’t come to life easily, however! “This was a tricky site – it was very long and narrow, with a 20-metre ‘no build zone’ on the back boundary. So, we shortened the standard Richmond plan and reduced the size of the living areas. Essentially, everything was shrunk to fit the build platform.”

With an interior design that has nods to local flora and fauna, and a Scandinavian-style black, white and grey colour palette – this is a contemporary, modern home that is designed to delight.

About Landmark Homes Central Otago

Premium new home builder Landmark Homes Central Otago is an award-winning Registered Master Builder serving Central Otago and Southland. With offices in Queenstown and Wanaka, the team is expert in creating beautiful bespoke homes that fit perfectly amongst the lakes and mountains of the region.

https://www.landmarkhomes.co.nz/franchises/queenstown/

Media Release on 26 November 2020

Media Contact
Shelley Begg, Landmark Homes
Email: info@landmarkhomes.co.nz
Phone: 0800 477 110
Website: https://www.landmarkhomes.co.nz/

MIL OSI