Sweet success for Sweet Agnes

Sweet success for Sweet Agnes

Commenting on the wine Tina Geillie says “This late-harvest Riesling is the perfect little bottle to pass around. Unctuous yet zingy lime marmalade, lemon bonbons and dried mango notes fill the glass, and there’s enough vibrant acidity to cut through the richness of both the wine and any food accompaniment. Made by the same family for 47 years, with each vintage winning a slew of medals and trophies, it’s a deliciously delectable drop. Vegan.”

Seifried is one of New Zealand’s most sustainable family-owned wineries run by Hermann and Agnes Seifried, after whom Sweet Agnes is named, and their three children. In 2014 Agnes and Hermann were recognised for their contribution to the New Zealand grape and wine industry by being inducted as Fellows of New Zealand Winegrowers, one of the New Zealand wine industry’s greatest acknowledgements. This was the first time in its history that a husband-and-wife team were recognised, and the first time a woman has been honoured.

In 2016 the winery celebrated 40 years since the first harvest. The last four decades have seen significant change, with the New Zealand industry now recognised as world leading, particularly with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but also for Syrah, Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. Today Seifried farm over 250 hectares of vineyards, across nine sustainably accredited vineyard locations scattered throughout the Nelson region, and all of their three children are actively involved in the business.