“Of all the wineries scattered across the Waimea Plains, this small producer at Hope, south of Nelson city, has the quality edge.”

Michael Cooper,
Pocket Guide to Wines of New Zealand

Our place

Nelson's cool, maritime climate is ideally suited to viticulture.
Protected on three sides by mountain ranges the regional climate is mild and buffered against extremes. Annual sunshine hours are over 2300 and consistently among the highest in the country.
Tasman Bay provides warm air flow and a reduced risk of damaging spring and autumn frosts while the sea breeze in summer moderates day time temperatures.
Clear, cool nights preserve flavour and varietal character as fruit acids gradually reduce. A mineral, fruit-based acidity underpins all varieties providing definition, structure and elegance.

Waimea East - Hope

The Greenhough Hope Vineyard is nestled into an elevated terrace of the south-eastern Waimea Plains beneath the foothills of the picturesque Barnicoat Range. Separated by just a few hundred meters is the Avery Vineyard.
The soil is a free draining mix of clay-rich loam and river gravels. This combination particularly suits aromatic expression in Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer, while contributing significantly to fruit weight and texture in medium to full-bodied Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
While irrigation is essential for the establishment of new plantings and while vines are young, the high clay content ensures that moisture is retained deep in the ground over most of the growing season. This largely mitigates the need for irrigation once vines are mature.

Moutere Hills - Barraud

The Barraud Vineyard is planted on a gentle, north facing slope which falls to the waters of the Waimea Inlet. Shallow, sandy loam topsoil overlays a heavier subsoil of weathered clay. Site and aspect offers a number of natural advantages. There is drainage of moisture and cool air down slope towards the estuary - so important when spring frosts threaten. The prevailing northerly breeze off the tidal inlet provides excellent ventilation and temperature moderation throughout summer.
The mix of varieties includes Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Riesling.