|
|
|
|
Ohau Gravels Vineyards has established itself in New Zealand’s newest wine-growing region at Ohau, just north of the Kapiti Coast in the lower North Island.
The Tararua Ranges provide a backdrop to the new vineyards at Ohau. Twenty hectares are planted, with potential for more further up the valley.
The region is well known as an agricultural hot spot prized for its market-garden produce. For centuries the area has been shaped by the Ohau River, which has laid down deposits of gravel, resulting in a stony yet fertile soil. Warm sunshine reflects off the stones onto the vines, just the thing for producing high quality grapes and top quality wines.
The area was discovered by local viticulturist Kate Gibbs who identified that the river terrace soils were similar to some of the better sites in Marlborough. The climate is also very temperate with the degree growing days approximately halfway between Nelson and Hawke’s Bay and similar to the Wairarapa. The area has recorded minimal frost over the years, as well as low rainfall during the critical autumn ripening period.
|
|
|
