Vineyard

All wines are from a single vineyard from 11 hectares (approx 28 acres) which on average produces around 3000 cases of wine per year. This gives complete control over the whole growing process.

The vineyard is certified under Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand – a programme which strictly monitors spray use and is assisting members to move towards organic production.

The property was purchased in 1994 and gradually transformed into vineyard. First vintage was the 1998 Spirit of Marlborough.


Varietals
Plantings include – Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Montepulciano.
Vineyard management
Vines are planted at 5500 vines per hectare, with average yields at less than 2 tonnes per acre. Everything in the vineyard is done by hand. Shoot thinning, bud rubbing, leaf plucking and bunch thinning to ensure the best possible ripening. Only the finest grapes are hand picked de-stemming of grape bunches is also carried out by hand.
Harvesting
All grapes are hand harvested usually around 10-14 days ahead of most other wine estates in Marlborough because of the vineyard’s unique microclimate. Harvesting usually starts in March through to end April.
Terroir
The vineyard borders the stony Wairau River which is wide and mostly dry. The gap in the hills towards Nelson ensures the warm North Westers heat the stones and turn any cool air into warm as it comes over the vineyard. It also keeps the vineyard stones warm and they release this heat at night time. The site was originally one of Marlborough’s oldest apple orchards so has long been recognised as having excellent fruit growing properties. Its proximity to the river also protects the vineyard from frosts.

Herzog Winery & Restaurant   |   81 Jeffries Rd, Blenheim 7273   |  +64 (0)3 572 8770   |   info@herzog.co.nz