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the marlborough wine region
Vineyards were first seen in Marlborough in 1873, shortly
after the region was settled by sheep farmers. Later,
graincrops and market gardening began, along with some
rustic but enthusiastic wine making. Many stories are
still told about the products of these early efforts which
lasted well into the 1930’s.
Meanwhile, in the north of New Zealand, just after the
turn of the century, immigrants from the Dalmation region
had established vineyards to quench the thirsts of their
countrymen working in the forests. This wine was sweet,
frequently fortified, and quality ran a poor second to
quantity. From this group of pioneers emerged the Yukich
brothers who called their vineyard Montana, after the
hills which they had planted. Hybrid grapes were virified
creating all sorts of styles but the brothers gradually
established a loyal following. Growth in the 1950’s
and 60’s caught the imagination of a new discerning
public and with the liberalization of liquor laws, Montana
was well poised for massive expansion. more
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