The Wairarapa, ‘The Land of Glistening Waters’, owes much to her natural environment for the ability to produce exquisite wines. These glistening waters, river systems flowing into lakes, sustain both the land and its inhabitants and are an important source of life and energy. Alluvial soils left behind by flowing rivers hundreds of years ago create fertile grounds for cultivating grapes to be turned into wine. 

Parakawhara (Gladstone) is a small sub-region that lies between Martinborough and Masterton. It is known for its waimaori (clean useful water), which allows our local flora and fauna to thrive and provides a strong foundation upon which to grow grapes of a consistently high standard.

On top of favourable soil composition and waimori, a third factor that influences the unique flavour profiles of our wine is wind. The prevailing wind comes from the Northwest and regularly reaches gale force, especially during spring and early summer. This wind during budburst and flowering naturally keeps crop levels low which helps to maintain intense flavours and texture.

In summer we’re typically met with hot dry days and cool nights; these natural temperature rhythms stabilise colour and balance acidity whilst allowing for long ripening of flavours and tannins. Conditions during flowering tend to result in smaller berries, allowing for preferable skin to juice ratio and contributing to the well structured pinots that have become synonymous with our region.