Business Beat: Winery stations ‘shop window’ in Seddon

FRANK NELSON

Tupari Wines, produced in the Awatere Valley, is making the most of its “shop window” in Seddon’s historic railway station handily located in the heart of the township between the railway tracks and SH 1.

Built in 1902, the station was bought by Tupari in 2018 and underwent some major renovations before becoming the winery’s cellar door; in recent months, the Tupari team painted, re-furnished and took over a café that was operating on site.

“It’s all tasting space now,” says General Manager Olivia Doonan, noting Tupari’s sauvignon blanc, pinot gris, riesling, pinot noir and rosé wines, which complement a selection of platters, gourmet toasties and small plates.

In summer, the Marlborough Flyer steam train delivers cruise ship passengers from Picton to the cellar door, which also attracts passing tourists. Meanwhile, Tupari is mulling plans for live music and other regular events to attract more local customers as well as visitors.

Card Merchant Blenheim, offering all things connected with trading card games – including the space for people to sit and play games – has opened on Scott Street.

Mani Gardwell, who has been running a similar business in Nelson for five years, partnered with Rob Haley to launch the Marlborough outlet.

This spot will provide a range of card and board games, plus associated products, ranging from things like Pokémon and Magic the Gathering to more mainstream favourites such as chess and Scrabble.

“It’s basically aimed at everything playable on a table,” says Gardwell, adding that the shop plans weekly social events between game-playing enthusiasts.

Marlborough Trike Tours, based in Picton and run by owners Kent Stevenson and his wife, Marie, may expand their fleet of “stretched” three-wheeled motorbikes next season.

They currently have two three-seater bikes and one five-seater – that’s two passengers and four passengers, respectively, sitting behind the driver – and Kent says another five-seater is under construction.

Customers mainly enjoy scenic rides around Marlborough with customised wine tours as an added attraction. Kent and Marie both drive the bikes and can call in extra helpers on busy cruise ship days.

After two-and-a-half years doing business on Scott Street, Urban Fare café has closed. Manager Ana Oxoby blamed the ongoing tough economic climate, made worse by the recent closure of neighbouring Kathmandu, which has dented the number of casual customers.

Oxoby also manages Urban Fare’s catering division, based in Sutherland Terrace. She says that side of the business remains strong with steady demand from corporate clients, social gatherings such as weddings, birthdays and funerals, plus seasonal events like the recent wine harvest.

Industrial Marine, a Blenheim company making a range of polyethylene products including mussel floats plus cotton and polyethylene stockings for protecting mussel spat, has just relocated to Havelock.

The move follows the purchase of the business last year by Aroma New Zealand, a Christchurch-based company specializing in nutritional supplements, which already has a strong presence in the marine farming industry.

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