About the Winery
A second-generation New Zealand family-owned company, Mora Wines is the latest wine venture for the Skeggs Group, which also produces the internationally successful RUA brand.
An evolution of Central Otago wine. Refined by nature, crafted by experts. Introducing Central Otago’s newest premium wine brand.
Sir Clifford and Lady Marie Skeggs entered the wine business when they purchased land in Bannockburn in 1995 and commenced planting their first vines in 1996. They developed multi-award-winning wine brand Akarua (now owned by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage Wines), as well as the standout brand RUA, which is one of the most popular Central Otago pinot noirs in both NZ and key export markets. RUA remains a staple of the Skeggs’ wine portfolio today, alongside Mora.
The direct-to-consumer Mora wine brand includes the small production Single Site Series, and a Central Otago range including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Methode Traditionelle wines. All wines are crafted from Mora’s 90 hectares of established vineyards in the Bannockburn and Pisa sub-regions.
Mora Wines are sold exclusively through the Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen, via the Mora website and the new Mora Wine Club. The RUA brand will continue to be distributed nationally through Hancocks Wine, Spirit and Beer Merchants and sold through grocery and retail. RUA wines are also available at selected restaurants.
Meet the Team
Kathryn Pettit, General Manager
Kathryn has an impressive 25-year career within the wine industry, with extensive experience in commercial disciplines working for dominant global companies such as Montana Wines and Pernod Ricard. Kathryn brought these skills to Akarua and led the company for a decade through considerable multifaceted progression; the purchase and development of new vineyards, extensive brand development strategy, plus significant sales growth both domestically and internationally. Most recently, following the sale of Akarua, she has guided the release of the new premium Central Otago wine brand, Mora, steering the team in an insightful and dynamic direction.
