Montana Country

Montana, the country’s largest wine company, has not only captured 50% of the New Zealand domestic wine market but also the imagination with the majestic Montana Brancott Winery Visitors Centre near Blenheim.

Gerry Gregg, winery manager says, “the centre provides a great wine experience with VIP tasting in the tower, various other tasting and private function rooms and a 180 seat restaurant. In addition to this there is further seating for 80 visitors to dine in the landscaped gardens.”

Gerry Gregg speaks highly of the those involved in the design and construction of the project which he says,” has greatly enhanced the wine-tourist market potential of the Marlborough region.”

The design team, headed by Paul Macintosh of Martin Hughes Architecture and Interiors Auckland designed the buildings and provided valued input to the interior and exterior landscaping.

The main contracting team was lead by Peter Owen of Evan Jones. Both design and construction teams have worked with Montana on projects throughout the region and country.

The focal point of the building centres around the Copper turret which houses the VIP tasting room. This 9 x 6 metre, 7.5 tonne, roof was built on the ground and lifted into position. “ We had to step back in time and use some old fashioned skills as each piece is a tray with a flashing over the top of a batten where they join”, say Peter Owen.

The effect is stunning and offset by the expansive Zincalume® corrugate iron roofline. The roofing material was supplied by Phil Hogg of Roofline Marborough and fixed by Evan Jones Construction.

The centre has become an icon in the region and enjoys in excess of 100,000 visitors per year. For those visiting the region the visit is a worthy experience for both wine enthusiasts and the architectural excellence.