Te Kauwhata has been a traditional winemaking region of New Zealand, since the New Zealand Viticultural Research Station was established there in 1897. The region boasts a unique micro-climate ideally suited to quality viticulture. On the shores of Lake Waikare, the third largest lake in New Zealand, Te Kauwhata enjoys typically dry, warm conditions through March and April, the key ripening months for grapes. With cool nights and warm sunny days, the vines ripen their crop steadily and without pressure from adverse weather patterns.

Merlot Malbec from Quarry road

The main Quarry Road vineyard was first planted in 1963 by an ex-director of the research station. As the name Quarry Road implies, the vineyard is situated in rocky soils which maximise the terroir of the region. Since its original planting, the vineyard has changed hands and the winery is now being developed by the current owners, Toby Cooper and Jenny Gander. Toby and Jenny have kept production levels limited to only a few thousand cases pa in order to retain the hands-on relationship they have with both the vines themselves and the wines they produce.

The focus of the winemaking style is to produce wines that truly reflect the grapes from which they were made, with minimal adulteration through winemaking practices. A secondary objective is to produce wines that are tailored to the palates of the customers rather than the industry. The popularity of the wines is testament to the efficacy of this ideal, whilst the more than 20 awards from major wine competitions in the last few years shows that the judges know a good thing when they taste it too!

All the wines made are from grapes grown in and around Te Kauwhata, 95% being under the direct control of Jenny, the viticulturalist. This control allows for consistency of quality, the primary requirement of any boutique winery.

Tasting notes: This Merlot Malbec blend is a marriage of juicy damsons and layered melted chocolate. Dark fruits carry onto an oaky richness and spiciness on the palate.

 Other Quarry Road wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir -  of these, some are relatively new plantings which are just reaching full production.

The quality can be testified by numerous medals and therefore is a wine which cannot be missed. This Merlot Malbec  can be purchased exclusively from Vin Vino Direct click here.

Pinot Gris, Te Kauwhata, Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Riesling, Te Kauwhata, Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Cabernet Merlot, Te Kauwhata – Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Sauvignon Blanc – Te Kauwhata – Quarry Hill to view click here
Pinot Noir -Te Kauwhata – Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Merlot Rosé, Te Kauwhata, Quarry Road Estate to view click here
Chardonnay – Te Kauwhata – Quarry Hill to view click here