Job cuts at Montana

Job losses could be on the cards for workers at Montana Brancott Winery in the wake of a planned restructuring of the business.

Cathy McKeown, public relations manager for Pernod Ricard, which owns Montana, said, "We are discussing some proposed structure changes to the restaurant staffing levels at Montana Brancott Winery, and the consultation process is in progress."

She was unable to comment further until the proposal had been discussed in detail with the restaurant team. The aim was to conclude discussions by mid-July.

The Marlborough Express learned that staff were told about the plans at a meeting on Tuesday.

It is understood the plans could affect up to 25 jobs across the restaurant, kitchen and cellar door, but some of those affected could reapply for jobs under the new structure.

Fabian Partigliani, Pernod Ricard New Zealand managing director, said the Montana Brancott Winery restaurant in Marlborough currently offers an a la carte lunch menu, and it was proposed to review this offering and look at the provision of premium platters featuring regional produce as an alternative to complement the cellar door wine-tasting experience.

"The cellar-door tours and tastings at Montana Brancott Winery Visitor Centre will remain unchanged, as these experiential offerings will continue to showcase our brands and provide wine education to visitors. Personalised events at Montana Brancott Winery will also continue."

It was reported earlier this week that Pernod Ricard is to drop some of its growers and a substantial amount of grapes, prompted by a decline in the popularity of chardonnay. Mr Partigliani is expected to visit Gisborne and meet growers next week.

In response, Marlborough industry leaders here said the continuing popularity of the region's sauvignon blanc puts Marlborough growers in a different situation to their Gisborne chardonnay-growing counterparts.

- The Marlborough Express