A new premium Central Otago wine brand under the label of Mora has been launched by the Skeggs Group which also produces the internationally successful RUA brand.

The unveiling of Mora follows the group’s recent sale of the award-winning Akarua brand, which it founded in 1996, to French based Edmond de Rothschild Heritage (EDRH).

Managing director David Skeggs says the family owned company is pleased to bring the Mora direct- to-consumer wine brand to the market.

“The recent sale of Akarua has given us the opportunity to hone our long-term vision and strategy. With more than 25-years’ experience in winemaking and viticulture we are confident that our new brand Mora will be a welcome addition to the Central Otago wine scene and we are excited to launch it alongside our much loved RUA wine label.”

The name Mora is inspired by the Latin word to linger or to take pause.

“One of our most treasured possessions in life is time,” says Mora general manager Kathryn Pettit. “We believe its time to slow down and enjoy time with friends and family and the Mora experiences, whether it be tasting the wines themselves or dining at the restaurant, are aimed at elevating those special interludes.”

Single Site Series

The Mora wine label includes the small production Single Site series – a Central Otago range including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc and Methode Traditionelle.

Mora general manager Kathryn Pettit says all the wines are produced from Mora’s 90-hectares of established vineyards in the Bannockburn and Pisa Central Otago sub-regions.

The new label is being sold exclusively through the re-branded Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen at Lake Hayes, which formerly operated as Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan, via the Mora website and the Mora Wine Club.

The RUA brand will continue to be distributed nationally through Hancocks Wine, Spirit and Beer Merchants and sold nationally through grocery and retail outlets as well as restaurants.

“We are looking forward to introducing Mora to our customers over the summer months,” says Kathryn. “Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen is the perfect place to experience the wines either in the cellar door or in the restaurant.”