The Sileni brand will continue, with winemaking shifting to other BWG-owned wineries in the South Island.
“Post the closure of our Hawke’s Bay winery, Sileni wines will be produced at our Awatere River Winery in Marlborough and Gravity Winery in Tasman,” BWG chief executive Craig Langley said.
Sileni winery in Hawke’s Bay. Photo / Supplied
Following a review of its operations, Langley said the “difficult decision” was made to exit its Hawke’s Bay operations .
“As part of the restructuring process, a number of roles across winemaking and viticulture have been affected.”
Langley did not confirm how many Hawke’s Bay jobs were going.
He said the decision was based on several factors.
“The global wine sector is facing multiple challenges including an oversupply of grapes and wine, alongside reduced consumer demand for wine.
“New Zealand’s wine producers are not immune to these challenges, and we are starting to see wineries respond by scaling back production and removing vines.
Sileni is a prominent brand on supermarket shelves across New Zealand and is also exported to 36 countries. Photo / NZME
“BWG will continue to operate the Sileni winery until the end of 2026.
“The decision reflects the need to consolidate operations, improve efficiency, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the company.”
Sileni is a prominent brand across New Zealand and is also exported to 36 countries.
Langley said Sileni remained “one of our most recognised and established brands” and “a cornerstone of our portfolio”.
“With significant brand equity built over many years, a long-standing reputation for quality, and a loyal customer base in New Zealand and 36 international markets, Sileni will continue to be central to our growth ambitions and long-term strategy.”
The Avery family, which sold Sileni to Booster in 2018, declined to comment on the winery closure.
BWG leased the property and associated Hawke’s Bay vineyards from Private Land and Property Fund (PLP), managed by Booster Investment.
PLP said, in a statement, it was considering the future of the winery property.
“PLP is currently evaluating a range of options, including running the vineyards, partial or full sale, or redevelopment. No final decision has been made as yet.”