Christchurch Earthquake Spares Local Vineyards

Though it should hardly be the first thing on anyone's mind, given the sheer devastation wrought by the February 22 earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand's profitable vineyards appear to have escaped the worst of the earthquake.  The industry has gained in importance over the past couple of decades. Exports of New Zealand wine have tripled and the United States imports close to 1.5 million cases annually.

Vineyards located right outside of Christchurch appear to have escaped with minimal damage. "The Waipara wine region to the north of Christchurch has been largely unaffected by the quake, with apparently no injuries and no, or minimal, damage to buildings and wineries," David Cox, director for Europe at New Zealand Winegrowers told the Drinks Business.

Though some vineyard owners suffered damage to their homes, the quake was far less devastating for them than the Earthquake that struck 5 months before. That earthquake's epicenter was closer to wine country, and further away from the center of Christchurch.

We continue to watch the news from New Zealand, hoping for the best for the people of that country.

Photo by Foodista