Whenua Matua translates to ‘significant land’.
True to its name, this land holds a special place in our hearts. Situated in the Moutere Hills area of the Nelson region, the vineyard sits on ancient Māori tribal land that has been handed down through our tūpuna, ancestors, for hundreds of years. We like to think the wine grown here is not only a gift from the land, but also from our tūpuna.
Our Whenua Matua vineyard was planted in 2005. It is a spectacular site for growing grapes – particularly the Pinot Gris, Pinot Rose and Pinot Noir and varietals Nelson is recognised for. The land is gentle, rolling country, with clay soils laced with layers of gravel. The vineyard predominately faces north and the climate is warm with high sunshine hours. Its sloping hillsides experience excellent airflow during frost-prone periods of the growing season. Soils found on some areas of Whenua Matua are heavier and composed of clay, which is ideal for growing the succulent grapes used in our award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris wine.
Facts about the region
Nelson – a boutique wine region popular for Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Aromatics
High sunshine hours, a sheltered, moderating coastal climate.
Nelson region is split into 2 subregions – Moutere Hills and Waimea Plains
Average annual sunshine 2405 hours
Average annual rainfall 970mm
Regional winestyles – Sauvignon Blanc 566ha, Pinot Noir 220ha, Aromatics 207ha
Fore more about the Nelson region, visit: https://www.nzwine.com/en/our-regions/nelson/