Medway vineyard is the home of our original plantings. Deep in the valley, we have chosen a startling site where the Awatere River curves, making a promontory with water on three sides. More than 26km (16 miles) from the Pacific Ocean, the climate is influenced by the steep hills on both sides. Having the highest elevation, 200m (656ft) above sea level and being distant from the ocean results in an almost continental climate. The vineyard is covered by a layer of snow several times during the winter season thus the vines achieve a complete hibernation.
Brackenfield Estate
Our desire to produce complex wines led us to seek a vineyard site that would produce the same fine mineral character as Medway, but with more developed fruit flavours. We found the perfect site in 1997 and began planting in 1998. Brackenfield is near the mouth of the valley, just 5km (3 miles) from the sea. The deep silt of the highest terrace is in stark contrast to the large smooth river stones of the lowest. Brackenfield Estate benefits from cool easterly sea breezes on most afternoons, slowing the ripening process, allowing flavours to build progressively in the fruit.
Willow Flat
The youngest of our vineyards, Willow Flat, is one of the most beautiful vineyards in New Zealand. It comprises seven terraces, each planted in rows that correlate to the soil strata, ensuring even ripening in the incredibly low vigour soil. An early land owner planted a large number of trees, some of which are the only examples in New Zealand. Recognizing the heritage of the trees, we have retained and nurtured them, ensuring that generations to come will enjoy these magnificent specimens.
Medway vineyard is the home of our original plantings. Deep in the valley, we have chosen a startling site where the Awatere River curves, making a promontory with water on three sides. More than 26km (16 miles) from the Pacific Ocean, the climate is influenced by the steep hills on both sides. Having the highest elevation, 200m (656ft) above sea level and being distant from the ocean results in an almost continental climate. The vineyard is covered by a layer of snow several times during the winter season thus the vines achieve a complete hibernation.
Our desire to produce complex wines led us to seek a vineyard site that would produce the same fine mineral character as Medway, but with more developed fruit flavours. We found the perfect site in 1997 and began planting in 1998. Brackenfield is near the mouth of the valley, just 5km (3 miles) from the sea. The deep silt of the highest terrace is in stark contrast to the large smooth river stones of the lowest. Brackenfield Estate benefits from cool easterly sea breezes on most afternoons, slowing the ripening process, allowing flavours to build progressively in the fruit.
The youngest of our vineyards, Willow Flat, is one of the most beautiful vineyards in New Zealand. It comprises seven terraces, each planted in rows that correlate to the soil strata, ensuring even ripening in the incredibly low vigour soil. An early land owner planted a large number of trees, some of which are the only examples in New Zealand. Recognizing the heritage of the trees, we have retained and nurtured them, ensuring that generations to come will enjoy these magnificent specimens.