Sileni Estates was born from a long standing interest in wine by Graeme Avery, a pharmaceutical scientist and former owner of medical publishing company Adis International. In late 1997, along with financial director Chris Cowper and winemaker Grant Edmonds, he established Sileni as an export oriented producer committed to crafting world-class fine wines. Sileni Estates is committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking practices and achieved 1SO14001 certification in May 2002.
Sileni Estates' cellar is showcases an architecturally designed epicurean centre, tasting room, gourmet food store and award winning restaurant. Sileni Estate wines are excellent, especially its wonderful EV Merlot Cabernet Franc and its Chardonnay. Sileni Estates 2004 Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc was recently awarded the New Zealand White Wine Trophy at the prestigious International Wine Challenge in London.