About Takamatua Valley Vineyards
The Takamatua Valley Vineyards offers superb facilities including a vineyard, wine tasting and a function centre for conferences, weddings and other special occasions. The winery building is found high on the sunny, North-facing slopes of the Takamatua Valley only three kilometres South of Akaroa township, overlooking a magnificent panorama of harbour and rural country.
Christchurch, one of New Zealand's main centres with an international airport and a population exceeding 300,000 is 80km North West from Akaroa. The region as a whole offers a well-balanced lifestyle, combining exhilarating activities such as world-class fishing and skiing - both within easy reach, with the less physical pursuits of fine dining and shopping.
Wine tasting of boutique wines from New Zealand and California is available by appointment. The winery also features an off-license, with a variety of wines sold at very reasonable prices for visitors to take home.
The Takamatua Valley Vineyards is 24.5 hectares (62 acres) and the land offers scenic, relaxing walks through a diverse mixture of native bush and open pasture. Sheep graze around the winery, and deer wander in the adjoining property creating a unique pastoral atmosphere.
The first small vintage of wine was pressed from winery grapes in 1999 and we are in full production as of the year 2000. We are the first winery in New Zealand producing Pinot Gris and we are under new ownership as of May 2001. In the near future, the Takamatua Valley Vineyards is expected to occupy an enviable niche as a producer of fine wines with distinctive character.
The Takamatua Valley Vineyards offers superb facilities and service from boutique wine tastings to facility rentals for weddings, business and private functions.
History
Takamatua Valley Vineyards opened on Boxing Day 1995. It was conceived as a cafe / restaurant - at that time there were no producing vineyards on site. The Chimney vineyard was planted at the same time in 1995. This first vineyard was so named because the remnants of an old brick chimney stood right in the middle of the planting area. In all, about 2000 vines were planted - about 1000 vines each of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
The main building was designed with a Mediterranean theme by Chris Hadlee, local architect. It includes such features as Takamatua Valley Vineyardsclay-piped vents to gables, copper ends to exposed rafters, paint plastered finished walls and concrete tiled roof. The building is North-facing to maximize benefit from the sun and provide a pleasant environment.
The front lobby was used as a waiting area for customers if no seats were available. It was later used as an area for tea and coffee. What is now the downstairs conference room was once used as an art gallery / exhibition area with the outside part being used for morning or afternoon teas. The Cathedral room, used for private functions, was carpeted to help with the acoustics and blinds were fitted to make the room darker for overhead projector use during conferences. These additions were completed in 1998.
A second vineyard was planted in late 1997 and the third in 2000. The second vineyard contains Gewurztraminer while the third has Chardonnay and Reisling. The total of these two plantings was about 2200 vines. Today, the Takamatua Valley Vineyards has a vineyard of about 4200 vines.
A Sustainable Winery
Environmental and aesthetic concerns were taken into account in the site plans for Takamatua Valley Vineyards. An environmental assessment was done to establish that the site is suitable for viticulture on a commercial scale.
Water and Soil Conservation Works
Vines were established without supplemental watering so that the roots would go deep and the vines would be hardy - avoiding the need for additional water consumption. A rain water collection and filtering system was designed so that the winery is self-sufficient for water. Filtering was installed to provide safe potable water. The water tank was built into the basement so as not to effect the view of the landscape. Grazing sheep are used to maintain pasture lands.
Preservation of Native Bush
Existing native bush has been fenced off to protect it from grazing animals, and to allow the bush to propagate to reduce soil erosion.
Aesthetic
Buildings were placed against a backdrop of vegetation and do not protrude above the skyline. The architectural design of the building incorporates terracotta roof tiles, local stone around the base and paints in natural colours compatible with the surroundings. Trees and shrubs were planted around the back and sides of the building to reduce the visual impact of the building. Marked walking trails traverse the winery grounds and connect it to the Hinewai Reserve. Please seek permission from both Takamatua Valley Vineyards and Hinewai Reserve before using these trails.
The Future
The new owner is environmentally concerned and committed to positive change. Biodynamic organic certification is being sought. The wines from Takamatua Valley Vineyards should be Demeter certified organic by 2003.
