ABOUT US
Kaimira Ventures Winery is situated on the banks of the Wai-iti river near Brightwater in the Nelson province at the top of the South Island of New Zealand. The winery and associated vineyards are owned by Ian Miller and June Hamilton.
The aim is to make high quality and affordable wines for the discerning consumer. Kaimira Ventures is looking to export at least half of the production and already have established outlets in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore and the United States of America.
Approximately 12000 cases were produced in 2007. The aim is to increase production to 25,000 cases over the next three years as the vineyards come into full production. Approximately 30% of the wine is made for the Kaimira Estate brand and the balance for Brightside.
OUR HISTORY
The first Kaimira vineyard was planted in 1997 and the original winery was opened in time for the 1999 vintage. The winery building was a converted kiwi fruit packing shed and whilst fully functional it had a definite rural touch and was once described by a well known wine writer as a "Barn door" operation.
By 2006 the winery had reached maximum capacity and planning began for a purpose designed replacement building. After close to two years working through the RMA requirements and erecting and fitting out the winery it was finally opened in December 2007.
OUR NAME
The name Kaimira means "flour mill" and was chosen because of a historical link between the site of the first winery and the naming of the nearby town of Brightwater. Around 1850 a flour mill was built near the winery site. The mill owner used to sing a song incorporating the refrain "Bright water, bright water, bright water for me" when working. Eventually the name Brightwater became associated with the flourmill and extended to the nearby settlement.
As a historical aside, the mill was later converted into a hydro-electric power station, the second in New Zealand. Five street lights were installed in Brightwater and ten in Richmond some 10 kilometers distant. The lighting was switched on and off by the ingenious device of wiring the control switch to a chicken perch to be activated as the chickens went to roost.
OUR PEOPLE
We have five permanent staff who between them tend our three vineyards and the winery. Sally Albrecht is the winemaker and she is joined by an assistant winemaker over vintage.
Adrian Schar is the vineyard manager with able assistance provided by Scott Dowdall and Lynda Tonks. Annelies Goemaere is responsible for sales and administration. Please refer to the Contacts page for further details.
