This lovely building was constructed by the government in 1902 as part of the Te Kauwhata Viticulture Research Station. The government ran the research station for nearly a century and numerous varieties were trialled. Promising ones were distributed to growers in other regions. The first wines from Te Kauwhata were produced in 1903, and in 1908 five wines from the Te Kauwhata Experimental Station won gold medals at the Franco-British wine exhibition. The research station closed in 1992. Many of the recommendations from the original head viticulturist, an Italian called Romeo Bragato, now form the basis of modern New Zealand viticulture practices. Although wine is no longer produced commercially in the area the building is still used by for bottling wine.
Nice shot looking along the driveway!