Organic Wines, Nelson, New Zealand

Sunset Valley Organic Vineyard

We are Ian and Ros, and our two children, Kim and Kate. We share most of the work between us, with the children being particularly adept at pre-harvest grape sampling!

From the beginning the property was managed organically in accordance with Bio-Gro New Zealand organic production standards. This created some major hurdles starting with weed and grass control, later disease and pest management became key issues.

Each year brings slightly different challenges but we now have considerable confidence in the organic management systems we have developed.

Establishment of the vineyard began in 1993 with the purchase of 25 hectares of bare rolling pasture in the dry hill country near Upper Moutere, Nelson.

The site was chosen for its suitability for an organic vineyard. The area has long dry summers and cold frosty winters.

We have planted several hectares of mixed amenity and timber trees with a particular focus on native trees, particularly in the riparian areas adjoining the stream which runs through the property.