Nelson's sustainable vineyard

Woollaston Estates operate three sustainable vineyards, which are currently under organic management including some biodynamic practices, producing NZ award winning wine. The producing vineyards are in conversion to organic status with BioGro New Zealand.

Although one of the smaller wine regions, Nelson benefits from being the sunniest region in New Zealand and is sheltered from southerly storms by mountain ranges. There are two distinct sub-regions in the Nelson area and Woollaston Estates has 75 hectares of sustainable vineyards across both sub-regions, with grape varieties and clones matched to the terroir.

Woollaston Estates vineyards were certified as sustainable by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand in 2004, and are now are in their third year of organic management and our second year in conversion to organic production under BioGro New Zealand. Under organic management the increasing vine and soil health is evident, combined with an increased insect life and biodiversity. By avoiding the use of artificial fertilizer, any herbicides or non BioGro certified fungicides the vines natural strength and resistance is evident.

Woollaston Estates has three sustainable vineyards under organic management producing NZ award winning wine. Two vineyards are planted on the clay-bound gravels formed in the rolling hills of Upper Moutere as ice-age glaciers melted. At 100 metres above sea level the Mahana vineyard is one of the highest in Nelson. Mahana means "warm" in Maori, and the north-facing, gently rolling slopes make good use of the spring sunshine, while catching the cooling afternoon sea breeze in mid-summer. The largest of the Woollaston Estates vineyards, it is planted predominantly in Pinot Noir, with some Pinot Gris and Riesling. The second Moutere vineyard, Kelling Road, is also planted in Pinot Noir, with some Pinot Gris. The soils at Kelling Road are similar to Mahana and its north facing slopes enjoy excellent air drainage and a long, slow ripening season.

Fifteen km away on the Waimea Plains, the Burke's Bank vineyard is planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Gris. The stony, free-draining alluvial soils over deep, compacted gravel adds ripe melon and tropical fruit notes to our Sauvignon Blanc, floral aromas and intense fruit flavours to the Riesling and Pinot Gris.

The vineyard sites have been chosen so that a minimum of manipulation is required in order to allow the grapes, soil and climate to express their full potential in NZ award winning wine. Grape varieties, rootstock and clones were selected and matched to the different soils, and vine rows orientated for aspect and exposure.

Woollaston Estates gravity-fed winery is also certified as sustainable by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand.

Read more about Woollaston Estates organic management and sustainable vineyard practices here.