Palliser Ridge Farm in Pirinoa, twenty minutes South of Martinborough isn’t your run of the mill Sheep and Beef Farm. The core farming business is run by Manager Kurt Portas, but recent developments have seen the Palliser Ridge brand extend to much more.
⇡ View from “Lookout” paddock. Photo Credit: Lisa Portas
Already known throughout the region for Palliser Ridge Lamb and Beef thanks to a partnership with Gavin Green at the Greytown Butchery, it became clear to Kurt and his wife Lisa that consumers wanted a story about where their meat was from. From here, a logo was designed, website and social media presence established, and the Palliser Ridge name was out there.
⇡ Palliser Ridge Sign on Cape Palliser Road. Photo Credit: Lisa Portas
The couple, who have been financed into the farm thanks to owners, Jim and Marilyn Law, have a 40% share in 300-hectare block “Haunui”, that was purchased back in 2013, and live there with their 2 sons, Beauden (4) and Axel (2).
A decision to expand the Palliser Ridge Brand lead to the emergence of Palliser Ridge Lambs Wool and Palliser Ridge Tours. While Kurt looks after the main farming operation, the areas of expansion have been a way for Lisa to come into the fold and she’s relishing every minute of it.
Palliser Ridge Farm Tours kicked off in October this year, offering tourists and locals alike an insight into just how the farming operation works.
⇡ Kurt shows the tour group views of the ocean and the South Island. Photo Credit: Lisa Portas
Lisa and Kurt have come up with two main options for their visitors; the Farm Experience, which involves going over the farm, seeing the picturesque views, watching the farm dogs in action and seeing the recently planted wetlands before heading back to the main Woolshed for a shearing demonstration and a little lesson on all things wool.
⇡ Kurt’s shearing demonstration in the Palliser Ridge Woolshed. Photo Credit: Lisa Portas
The second option is the Woolshed Experience, which is perfect for larger groups or those visiting on a rainy day as it’s all based in the newly renovated Palliser Ridge Woolshed, you’ll still see the shearing of course, (what farm tour is complete without it?!), but you’ll also get a chance to help out in the shed, taste some honey from the hives nearby and learn more about the Palliser Ridge brand and history of the farm and area.
⇡ Traceable products for sale in the Palliser Ridge Woolshed. Photo Credit: Lisa Portas
The Palliser Ridge Woolshed will be open regularly throughout the Summer, for those passing through it’s a must-see, with many amazing traceable products, such as their new Palliser Ridge Lambs Wool, available in cones, balls or gorgeous hand-knitted garments.
While you’re visiting why not head off on a mini-tour, a taster of farm life at Palliser Ridge.
As well as meat, wool and tours, Palliser Ridge are also expanding into accommodation in the new year, for more information checkout the Palliser Ridge Website www.palliserridge.co.nz or their Facebook, Instagram or YouTube, or email Lisa at info@palliserridge.co.nz
Karina Hailwood
Creative Director
Martinborough Village
Guest writer: Palliser Ridge
"Let us show you the magic of our region"
enquiries to karina@coolc.co.nz
Copyright MV 2017
