Winepress - June 2024

SUCCESSION PLAN

Handing the reins to the next generation

Passing the family vineyard on to your children is a strong tradition in Europe, and now it’s happening in Marlborough. KAT PICKFORD talks to the Weavers at Churton.

WHEN MANDY and Sam Weaver planted their first vineyard on the hill above their home in the Waihopai Valley in 2000, their two young sons were barely old enough to lend a hand.

Since then, the founders of the organic and biodynamic wine label Churton have built a reputation for challenging conventional viticultural practices and producing high quality “soulful” wines that express the unique character of the vineyard. Adopting the European approach of close planting on hillsides with minimal irrigation has led to their distinctive wine style that will only improve as the vineyard continues to mature, Sam says.

“The last two to three years have been amazing,” he says. “The vineyard has really settled, almost as if it’s gone through adolescence and now it’s out the other side. We’ve seen really good consistency since 2019.” Seeing the vineyard and business continue to flourish after more than two decades, is a bittersweet reward for the pair, as they prepare to transition into the next phase of their lives, while sons, Ben (36) and Jack (33) take over the reins.

“We’ve always been so convinced about the special character of this place,” Mandy says. “We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved over the past 25 years, but wholeheartedly look forward to seeing the evolution of Churton in Ben and Jack’s hands.” The road towards succession has not been straightforward.

“Handing over the reins of a family business is not an easy process,” she says. “You’ve got the next generation who want to take over the business, and while they might be committed, they’ve also got to be prepared to take on the financial commitments because we’re not in a position to hand over the property freehold.”

Mandy has stepped back from Churton and is working full-time work in Blenheim to subsidise their income, while Ben is taking on more responsibility working alongside Sam

on the day-to-day operations. The biggest challenge for Sam has been overcoming the emotional connection with their dream as they gradually step back from the business.

“For me, the emotional attachment to the vineyard and the work and everything we’ve developed over the years, is strong,” says Sam. “It’s hard to step away from it, and I probably won’t ever completely let go.” Having the opportunity to work closely with Ben every day has given him confidence in the future of the business.

“We still discuss every decision, and while we may not always agree, we’ve learned how to overcome our differences and get on with things,” says Sam. Ben brings a whole new perspective to the business. He’s enthusiastic,

motivated, and can see so many opportunities. “We’re excited to see where he will take Churton in the future.”

With many happy childhood memories centred around the property his parents developed, Ben has always had a strong desire to raise his children in the home he grew up in. Now with his parents looking towards retirement, Ben is figuring out how to fit the wine business into his own life, with his partner and their four young daughters.

“The dream has always been there, I’ve always wanted to buy Mum and Dad’s house and the property,” Ben says. “But the conversation didn’t take place in earnest until I came home in 2019.” While vineyard work provided a handy source of pocket money for him and his friends as teenagers, Ben never intended to work in the industry, choosing instead to leave Blenheim after school to study marketing and chemistry at Victoria University in Wellington. After six years studying and working in the capital city, he returned home to help out with the family business, which opened his eyes to the potential within the industry. In between working at Churton, he completed vintages in California and the Rhone Valley, before picking up a full-time job as winery manager with Mt Beautiful Wines, which led to a production winemaker role. In 2019 he returned home with a clear vision for Churton.

His younger brother Jack was also based in Blenheim at the time and the pair hatched a five-year plan that would see them take the helm of the family business together. That plan started with establishing Natural State - a new entity and wine label producing low-intervention, natural wines aimed at a new generation of wine drinkers, Ben says.

“When Mum and Dad first started Churton they were producing fine wines for high-end restaurants and wine aficionados, which has been very successful,” he says. “Jack and I could see an opportunity to produce fresh, approachable wines to sit alongside the traditional offering

while using Natural State as the vehicle to start building profitability and take over the vineyard.” But Covid hit, disrupting their product launch and condensing their fiveyear plan into three.

Jack moved to Argentina with his wife and children and works as a software designer. While Jack keeps in close contact with Churton, Ben is continuing with the succession plan and is currently working with a couple of business mentors to put together a proposal to attract third-party investment. “The idea is to maintain the high standards that Mum and Dad have built a solid reputation on, while modernising certain elements of production and marketing to grow in volume, expand our markets and increase profitability,” says Ben. “Preferably potential investors would have experience in the wine industry, or at least an enthusiasm for it, someone who understands the business side and can see the potential for growth.”

While it’s a “daunting” prospect, Ben is energised and excited about the future of Churton. “Just like Mum and Dad, I can see the special character of the vineyard and the tremendous opportunities to continue to evolve the land and the brand.”

Ben, Jack and Rufus the dog. Happy childhood memories played a big part in bringing Ben back to the property

Mandy tends to the newly planted vineyard in 2000.

Ben, Sam and Mandy Weaver. ‘We’ve always been convinced about the special character of this place but the road towards succession has not been straight-forward’