Vineyard

Soils

The winery owns and manages almost 90 hectares of vineyard at Gimblett Road. The majority of this vineyard is located within the unique Hawke’s Bay sub-region that has become known as Gimblett Gravels. These vineyards are the result of gravelly soils laid down by the Ngaruroro river, exposed after a huge flood in the 1870s. These gravelly soils are free draining and low in nutrient status, making them ideal for growing premium quality Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Daytime temperatures in the area can be up to 3°C warmer during the day in Summer and Autumn compared with most other areas in Hawke’s Bay, while thermal conductivity in the stones contributes to warmer evenings. With the vineyard sheltered from the prevailing winds by the landmark Roy’s Hill, hot daytime temperatures coupled with the warming effects of the stony soil produce grapes of intense flavour.

The light stoney soils of our Gimblett Road vineyard have consistently produced premium quality wines and won international recognition for Hawke's Bay.

Varieties

Merlot is our most widely planted variety, reflecting its natural aptitude to our vineyard microclimate. It is supported by significant plantings of Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Select plantings of Malbec, Pinot Gris and Viognier are also in place.

Click here to view a varietal map of our Gimblett Road vineyard.

For pictures of our vineyard please go to our Photo Gallery!