The Vineyards

Orinoco Vineyard

Orinoco Vineyards is found in the hills of the Moutere Valley, near Nelson, New Zealand. The vineyard blocks are in carefully selected locations on a 100 hectare farm overlooking the settlements of Orinoco, Rosedale and Neudorf, and out to Tasman Bay.

The Barley Block is 3.5 hectares of 5 selected clones of Pinot Noir. This north facing hill top has been terraced and the vines are closely planted at 1 metre spacing. At 210m above sea level this is one of the highest vineyards in the region. This altitude, combined with Nelson's warm maritime climate and the close proximity of the mountains to the west, all work in harmony to create a unique meso-climate. High sunshine hours, cool mornings and long sunny days in the summer ripening period, are perfect for ripening Pinot Noir grapes full of flavour and character.

The distinct clay and gravels of the Moutere soil complement the climate to create a site of individuality, where wines of character and Terroir begin their journey.

The Kanuka Block was planted in August 2005. In a few years we will be harvesting Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier and Syrah grapes from this block. For the next 3 years it is a case of nurturing and training the young vines.
This terraced block is tucked away from the world in a sheltered valley under the watchful eyes of Mt Arthur and its ranges.
Considerably warmer than the Barley Block this site is sheltered from both coastal and mountain winds, and the summer months regularly see temperatures above 30 degrees(c). The hot sun reflecting off the clay terraces will ripen the Syrah, a variety not widely grown in the Nelson region.

Orinoco vineyard is managed by following biodynamic and organic principles. We are not certified, but are members of the NZ biodynamic association, and believe that this is the way of the future.

Le Gros Family Vines

Found near Brightwater on the Waimea Plains. The LeGros family carefully tend around 2 hectares of vines, the first of which were planted in 1995.

Clone 6 chardonnay and Pinot Noir clones 115 and 777 are immaculately guided through each season. The fruit from this vineyard is consistently top quality.

Atalaya Vineyards

The picturesque Atalaya vineyard is located on the rolling hills of Tasman. Sundrenched and overlooking Tasman Bay, Pinot Noir clones 5, 6, and 10/5 ripen alongside Mendoza Chardonnay. Planted in 1994 these vines are now producing fruit of real character and quality.