Fire has extensively damaged a building at the 100-year-old Vilagrad Winery in Waikato.
Vilagrad Winery Photo: Facebook / Vilagrad Winery
The main building was on fire when crew arrived at the Ngahinapouri site shortly before 1am. It took four water tankers, 18 appliances and 70 firefighters to put out the fire, which was under control by about 4.30am.
One of the owners, Jacob Nooyen, told Morning Report it was devastating to see what has happened to the winery.
"The offices, kitchen and half of the 100-year-old cellar, just up in smoke." Firefighters managed to save some of the restaurant.
He was grateful no-one was injured, but it was a shock when he drove up to the buildings early this morning.
"Driving up with all the fire trucks already here, and the boys containing the fire, just unbelievable ... unbelievable just to see the smoke and flames.
Mr Nooyen said at this stage they had no idea what caused the blaze.
The winery is out of operation because of the damage.
Assistant area fire service commander Darryl Papesh said crews saved two surrounding buildings. An investigation is underway into the cause.
