Seifrieds was established in 1973, when Hermann and Agnes Seifried planted grapes in the Moutere Valley between Nelson and Motueka. Austrian born Hermann and his New Zealand wife Agnes chose land sloping gently northwards, where the soil is clay and the area is very sheltered.

The first 2ha of grapes planted out included l4 different Vinifera varieties which were all grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock. 1976 saw the first harvest, with five distinctive varietal wines being made. At that time wine sales were entirely mail order and cellar door.

In 1979 a further 16ha was purchased at Redwood Valley. Due to the different climate and soils of this vineyard, the grapes in Redwood Valley ripen slightly earlier than in the Moutere Valley, hence spreading the vintage.
The establishment of our third vineyard took place in 1988 on stony land in the Rabbit Island/Appleby area.

Today our key varieties grown include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewrztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.
Currently Seifrieds has over 100 hectares of producing vineyards, with a further 30 ha too young to yet be bearing fruit. With 25 permanent employees at the winery/vineyard complex, and a further 10 involved in the domestic sales and marketing of our wines, Seifrieds is a company with a strong direction on growth.

In 1993 we opened a magnificant Vineyard Restaurant and Function Centre located within the Rabbit Island vineyard. Since opening it has hosted many weddings, seminars and other functions in a serene rural atmosphere - the perfect ambience for wine and food to be enjoyed together!

In 1996 Seifried operations moved from the original Upper Moutere winery to our new winery complex adjacent to the restaurant on the Rabbit Island vineyard. This move highlights the confidence Seifrieds have in the future of both the Nelson, and New Zealand wine industry.