The Waipara Valley is snuggled in the lee of the Teviotdale Hills, which provide protection from the cool ocean winds but open to warm Nor' Wester winds. The north facing, moderately sloping river terraces provide an ideal suntrap for grape ripening.
Abundant sunshine throughout the summer, combined with a long, dry and cool autumn helps produce unique concentrated Rieslings and Pinot Gris, our regional specialites. The Waipara Valley season is particularly long with bud burst starting at the end of September and harvest lasting until mid May.
Soil types range from gravelly deposits close to the Waipara River, to heavier, limestone-derived clays on the east side of the valley.
The Home Block Vineyard
The Home Block's gravelly soils and minerality enhance the rich and spicy characters of our aromatic wines. We are one of the first and most successful producers to plant Pinot Gris Lincoln-Berry Smith clone which we believe produce higher quality Pinot Gris. We have some of the oldest vines planted of this clone in New Zealand and are now supplying others with their cuttings. Our older Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay,16 years old, are on their own roots. This vineyard is our home, located right behind the winery.
Location
Climate
Rainfall Per Year
|
600ml |
Average Sunshine Hours
|
7 hours |
Viticulture
Planted area
|
50 hectares planted between 1994 and 2009 |
Grape Varieties %
|
50% Pinot Gris 15% Sauvignon Blanc 15% Chardonnay 10% Pinot Noir |
Clones/rootstock
|
Pinot Gris has variety of Geisenheim clones, plus Lincoln-Berry Smith and Barrie clone |
Vine Age
|
up to 16 years old |
Pruning Regime
|
cane and spur pruning |
First Harvest
|
1997 |
Sustainable accreditation
|
WP106 |
The Mound Vineyard
Waipara's gravelly soils and long autumn ripening conditions create the perfect scene for growing outstanding Riesling.The Mound vineyard is a geographical reference to a mound within the vineyard. Sheep graze on this block over winter and the grapes from this block were used in the 2010 “Riesling Challenge” winemaking competition.
Location
Climate
Rainfall Per Year
|
600ml |
Average Sunshine Hours
|
7 hours |
Viticulture Vineyard
Planted area
|
93 hectares planted in 2002 |
Grape Varieties %
|
75% Riesling, 15% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Pinot Noir, 2% Gewuztraminer |
Clones/rootstock
|
Riesling is from a section of Geisenheim clones, 198-19,239 and 110 |
Vine Age
|
7 years old |
Pruning Regime
|
50% cane 50% spur |
First Harvest
|
2004 |
Sustainable accreditation
|
WP57 |
The Deans Vineyard
The vineyard terraces overlook the river bed with stunning views of the three Deans range, Waipara Valley’s landmark hills.
Location
Climate
Rainfall Per Year
|
600ml |
Average Sunshine Hours
|
7 hours |
Viticulture
Planted area
|
76 hectares planted in 2001 and 2009 |
Grape Varieties %
|
50% Riesling, 30% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Gris, and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc |
Clones/rootstock
|
Riesling is from a section of Geisenheim clones, 198-19,239 and 110. Pinot Noir B777, UCD5 and AM 10/5 |
Vine Age
|
10 years and Pinot Gris 2 years |
Pruning Regime
|
mostly cane pruning a little bit of spur pruning |
First Harvest
|
2003 |
Sustainable accreditation
|
WP901 |
