We are more than a wine business

 There’s more to life than wine. Yes, we can’t believe we said it but it’s true! We’re reminded of this every day on our vineyards, with their natural beauty and abundance of native wildlife.

At last count on Whenua Awa – our vineyard in Marlborough – we identified 34 different native plant species, some of these are only found in New Zealand. From the graceful, weeping kōwhai tree to the hardy Marlborough rock daisy – it makes us humble as kaitiaki of the land to know we share our slice of paradise with these taonga.

One of our favourite locals is a pretty little plant called Hebe hulkeana or, as it’s more commonly known – New Zealand lilac. This small shrub, with its dainty, pale mauve flowers, wouldn’t be out of place in your home garden but here in New Zealand it’s a rare sight in the wild. In fact, outside of parks and gardens, they’re only found in Marlborough. We’re lucky to have an abundance of them growing on the Awatere River bluffs, on land below the vineyard.

New Zealand lilac is part of a group of plants called hebe, which are known to have medicinal properties. They’ve been used to ease chafing and rashes and – steeped in hot water like tea – treat stomach aches.

As part of our commitment as kaitiaki, we’re looking after New Zealand lilacs and many other native plants and species on our vineyards. In the past decade we’ve planted more than 9,000 native trees and shrubs at Whenua Awa alone. We’re also removing pests and weeds to give the native wildlife a chance to thrive.

Why do we do this? Because we are more than a wine business. We are kaitiaki.

What do you think? Would you like to learn more about New Zealand flora and fauna? Do you have a favourite plant from your country? Why is it special to you? Let us know in the comments below or write to us. We’d love to hear from you.