Our Terroir
The Georges Road estate is located in the Waipara Valley, just 45 minutes north of Christchurch. It is situated at the western end of the valley, on two terraces above the Waipara River with magic views to the Three Deans mountain range beyond. The soil type is called Glasnevin Gravels, essentially poor, free-draining river gravels. The vineyard is approximately 60m higher than the main highway which reduces its susceptibility to frost when cold air drains down the valley from the Waipara Gorge to the west.
The Vines
Georges Road vineyard comprises of equal parcels of Syrah, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling. All vines undergo shoot thinning prior to fruit set and crop thinning post veraison. Disease pressure is low largely due to the prevailing northwest winds and frost is a minor issue. The vineyard midrow is grassed and the undervine area is kept bare.
For Wine Geeks: Vines are spaced at 2m x 1.5m, with 10% of vines at 1m spacings. All vines are on a mix of 3309 and 101-14 rootstock. They are predominately pruned to 2 cane VSP and aim to carry no more than 2kg crop per vine. The Syrah clone is 100% mass selection, Riesling is a mix of 239, 198 and 110, Pinot Noir is 667, 777, 5 and 115, Pinot Gris is 2/15, 2/16, Ovaille, Barrie, and St Helena.
The Region
Waipara is located at Latitude 43 South. It is New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region and the valley’s wineries are producing superb wines that rival any region around the world.
Low rainfall, warm summers and long dry autumns, cool nights and low disease pressure make this an ideal cool climate viticultural region. Growing Degree days seasonally fall between 1050-1150.
