Earlier in the year I read an article about Monte Christo Winery. Built in 1871 by Frenchman Jean Desiré Féraud, it is the oldest winery in the South Island. 

The article provides some fascinating insight into some of the history associated with our region and is well worth a read in its own right, but it's the redevelopment of this winery that is underway I would like to focus on.

Dr Stanley Paris and his two sons (one of whom is a Master of Wine) have taken on the lease of the winery. They are in the process of developing a new cellar door and guest villas on site to essentially rejuvenate an incredible piece of history for our region. I can't wait to see the end result, visit, and support such a great initiative.

What I love most about this news (apart from the fact there will be another amazing Central Otago wine to sample!) is that it's another example of new capital investment into our great region that will further drive economic prosperity for all. 

The article states that the Paris family want to “introduce Central Otago and, particularly Alexandra, to the rest of the world.” I can't help but think what a great idea this is. Not only do we see the restoration and preservation of a great bit of local history, but it will also drive new economic activity in the area via tourism and general marketing of our region offshore.

I have not had the privilege of meeting the Paris family yet, but when I eventually do (after all we do live is a small town!) I can't wait to thank them for investing in such a great initiative. The more initiatives/investments like this in the Central Otago region then the more tourists we will start to pull through the Kawarau Gorge to further support our local economy.

I have the feeling that this is only one of many new capital investments we will see in the coming years for our region as more and more people look to move here and enjoy what our region has to offer. And in terms of driving the economic prosperity of the region, that simply has to be a good thing for all.