John Marris was the real estate agent who sold nine properties totalling about 1200ha to Montana Wines in 1973 before any grapes had been planted in what is now the country’s largest wine-producing region.
He died in 2014, 12 years after the family’s wine business, Wither Hills, was sold to Lion. His oldest son, Brent Marris, continues the family’s connection with the industry with a different company, Marisco Vineyards, which is noted for The Ned and The King’s Series labels.
In 2012, Brent and wife Rosemary bought a large 5200ha station, Leefield, in the Waihopai Valley, to give greater scale to their operation. The goal is to have 650ha in vineyards, planted in Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes under the Leefield label. The rest of the property comprises about 200ha parkland and streams, stud-quality cattle and sheep on 1050ha of hillsides and 300ha of native bush. A huge dam has been designed to look like a lake. One purpose is to give a high-country station and wine experience for international buyers. Marisco exports to markets in North America, China and some Nordic countries.
The Marrises are Auckland-based and also have a holiday home on Waiheke Island.
John Marris did not restrict himself to wine activities. He also owned fleet management company International Telematics, now part of Coretex. The Marris family connection continues with Dean Marris executive vice president, North America and Donna Marris representing the family investment as a director.