Peter Yealands, founder of Yealands Wines, passed away in Blenheim on 30 November 2024.
A visionary known for his irrepressible imagination, inexhaustible energy, and unswerving passion; Peter was a true entrepreneur with a relentless determination to overcome challenges.
His curiosity and drive lead him to run many successful businesses in the construction, engineering, forestry, marine farming, agriculture and viticulture sectors. Over his extensive career, achievements included obtaining New Zealand’s first marine farming license and pioneering the development of mussel farming in the Marlborough Sounds, setting up Kaiuma Deer Estate, and designing ship buoys and life rafts for the maritime industry.
In 1998 Peter developed his first vineyard in the Wairau Valley. Two years later, he purchased a block of land in the Awatere Valley and started developing the Yealands Seaview Vineyard. At the time, Seaview’s landscape of rugged, undulating terrain and wild coastal winds was considered unsuitable for grape growing, but Peter saw otherwise. In the following years, Peter continued to purchase adjacent farmland to establish what is now one of New Zealand’s largest and most coastal single vineyard sites.
Yealands Estate Winery officially opened for business on 8 August 2008 and Peter soon established three goals that still define Yealands Wines to this day; to be among New Zealand’s top wine producers, to create the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc, and to become the world’s most sustainable winery.
Just four years after opening the winery, Yealands Estate Single Block Sauvignon Blanc S1 was named the world’s best at the International Wine Challenge in 2012 —a testament to Peter’s vision and dedication.
Approaching every challenge with confidence and an unshakeable belief in the power of perseverance and innovation, Peter’s legacy is not only one of success, but of a deep respect for the environment. His transformation into an environmentalist was borne from a deep love of the land and understanding the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Peter retired in 2018, and his motto “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly and Never say it can’t be done” remains a core philosophy at Yealands Wines today.
Peter will be deeply missed across Marlborough and within the wine industry, and his bold thinking, environmental stewardship, and tireless innovation will continue to inspire future generations.
Yealands Wine Group interim CEO Liam Kelly has paid tribute to the company’s founder. “While Peter hadn’t been involved with Yealands for some time, his legacy lives on in the business built through his inspiring vision and relentless determination. A number of our team members worked closely with Peter and still talk fondly about him. We extend our condolences to the family.”
“Think Boldly, Tread Lightly and Never say it can’t be done” remains a core philosophy at Yealands Wines today.
