Our Vineyard

Our vineyard was established in 2001 with our first vintage in 2006 giving the vines ample time to settle in. In addition to developing the vineyard, there has been extensive re-planting of native species, including Kowhai, Totara, Ti (Cabbage Trees), Coprosma, Kanuka, Manuka, Corokia and a large collection of harakeke and wharariki (native flax).

The name Eight Ranges is derived from the eight mountain ranges that surround us -

 

 

- The Remarkables

- The Cairnmuir Range

- The Pisa Range

- The Dunstan Range

- The Hawkdun Range

- The Raggedy Range

- The Old Man Range

- The Old Woman Range

 

 

Our vineyard is certified sustainable by Sustainable Winegrowing NZ.  This means we use resources carefully, in an environmentally sustainable way and aim to 'tread gently' on the earth.  We hope the land will be in a better condition when we leave than it was when we arrived.

Our site provides excellent grape growing conditions due to its soil (a combination of stone and gravel from an ancient lake bed and glacial loess which is low in fertility, resulting in low volume crops with intensely flavoured fruit), very dry climate, reliable hot summers and long autumns with warm days and cool nights.  Our elevation provides for unimpeded air flow which combined with a low rainfall, ensures clean, disease-free fruit.

We grow roughly three quarters Pinot Noir (Dijon clones 115, 667 and UCD5) and one quarter Pinot Gris (Sel-Ovaille and clones 2-15).