SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
All Featured Wineries are listed alphabetically by region. Scroll down for Featured Wineries from Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand.‣ARGENTINA
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BODEGA CHACRA (Rio Negro Valley)
Represented by Piero IncisaBodega Chacra is located in the Rio Negro Valley of northern Patagonia, 620 miles south of Buenos Aires, roughly equidistant west to east from the Andes Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. In 2004, Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, from the renowned winemaking family of Italy's famed Sassicaia, purchased the first of the vineyard land, which is now Bodega Chacra. At the time the property had an existing, though abandoned, vineyard planted in 1932. Piero was drawn to the Southern Hemisphere, compelled by the goal of producing world-class Pinot noir from uncharted and untested territory. Chacra's vineyards are farmed biodynamically, and this tiny estate – whose first vintage in 2004 produced only 1,300 bottles – is being carefully expanded. Five hectares were planted in front of their handsome, minimalist winery in 2005, with clones from their other vineyards. Winemaking at Bodega Chacra is approached in the most natural manner. Grapes from the 1932 vineyard are harvested by hand and no automated mechanization is used at any stage of the production process. As a result, Bodega Chacra obtains concentrated and complex wines of great purity that last long in mouth and contain flavors of flowers, fruits and minerals. |
‣AUSTRALIA
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YERING STATION (Victoria)
Represented by Willy LunnVictoria's first vineyard, Yering Station, was originally planted in 1838. The historical wine estate was purchased by the Rathbone family in 1996, marking the beginning of a new era, with the construction of a state-of-the-art winery and award-winning wine tourism destination. Yering Station is renowned for producing wines of world class quality and distinction. The family-owned winery has been further recognised for its commitment to excellence with an induction into the Australian Tourism Awards "Hall of Fame" in 2006. Now led by winemaker Willy Lunn, Yering Station was honoured with the prestigious "Winemaker of the Year" at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, 2004. Located in the heart of the stunning Yarra Valley, only one hour's drive from Melbourne, Yering Station offers an unforgettable wine and food experience. Set amongst breathtaking views, superb architecture and beautifully kept gardens, the property is a Yarra Valley destination not-to-be-missed. |
‣NEW ZEALAND
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CHURTON WINES (Marlborough)
Represented by Sam WeaverChurton is owned and managed by Sam and Mandy Weaver. Located in Marlborough, New Zealand, Churton makes Pinot noir from a unique hillside vineyard 200 meters above sea level. The vineyard has a wonderful northeast facing exposition with a 14-percent slope to the east. The close planted vineyard on a clay/loess soil is managed using biodynamic principles. The object being to express the individuality and character of the site: true "vins de terroir." Winemaker Sam Weaver's path from a farming background, through, fine wine merchant in London to one of Marlborough's most respected winemakers and winemaking consultants, spans more than 30 years of global wine industry experience. The result is a beautiful vineyard producing wines where elegance, texture, balance and length of flavour are pre-eminent above fruit expression. New World wines tempered with Sam's Old World experience. |
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PEGASUS BAY (Waipara Valley)
Represented by Lynnette & Matthew DonalsonPegasus Bay Winery is a small family owned and operated winery, focused on producing high-quality wines, which express the terroir of the vineyard and the true characteristics of each variety. It is situated in the Waipara Valley, 30 minutes north of Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand. To the east, the Waipara Valley is separated from the ocean (Pegasus Bay) by a range of hills, which protect it from the cooling winds of the Pacific. To the west lie the Southern Alps, from whence the region's hot "nor'west" winds derive. Its sheltered position, but proximity to the sea give it warm days, cool nights, and a dry autumn, resulting in a very prolonged ripening period. This promotes intense flavor development and optimal ripeness, while retaining good natural acidity, perfect for growing Pinot noir. Winemakers Matthew Donaldson and Lynnette Hudson (husband and wife) believe in traditional, sustainable viticultural management, low crop levels, and minimal handling of fruit during processing, such that they capture the unique characteristics of the vineyard. |