It seems that it is not just that families are moving on but that the viability of these vineyards is challenged because of the lack of foresight and support of the local council. It will be interesting to hear more about this closure. From what I understand the new owner had told the Sapich family that the vineyard would be kept – but within a few weeks of the sale, the vines were being pulled up and the building up for lease.
Sapich Brothers property sold.
When I visited the later barrels wine stacked outside – not too sure where they will end up.
What will become of “Purple Death” – that West Auckland classic which has been around since, in think, the 1960’s. Will need to get more on the background story of this brew.
West Auckland Classic
This is the only place online that lists Sapich as closed!
Their website is still running, but no one answered my email from a while back, thanks for listing this so I now know why.
I’m looking for a bottle of Purple Death. As a wedding gift to my so in South Africa. I’m going to SA in August for his wedding. Wherym might I find a bottle?