Wines that breathe
of their place
Wines that breathe
of their place
of their place
Botanical Collection
The Botanical Collection represents the pinnacle of our achievements at Pyramid Valley.
Their story is rooted in the foundations of our Waikari Estate in North Canterbury. The initial plantings were arranged by Mike and Claudia Weersing according to specific minute changes in soil composition between the unique limestone and clay particles. These changes reflected their decision to plant either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. Interestingly the meadow growing in each parcel was also different, with different species of meadow plants being present. These parcels have been named according to the dominant botanicals in the meadow from their beginnings as a vineyard in 2000, and have been vinted as highly individual wines since 2006. Each wine is named after the common colloquial name of the meadow plant and each wears a wonderful piece of Patricia Curtin botanical art reflecting this plant.
Since their release in 2006 they have created a new dimension for fine New Zealand wine, illustrating the incredible impact of this remarkable vineyard on the sense of wine.
They are wines that truly breathe of their place. They are rare, expensive and collectible.
Appellation Series
The Appellation Collection represents our Pyramid Valley view of the three great South Island appellations of New Zealand, North Canterbury, Central Otago and Marlborough.
The home of our founders and Waikari Estate is North Canterbury, a province steeped in the history of firstly agriculture, and more recently viticulture. We love the rawness and genuine coolness of the place, the slopes, the limestone and rocks, the bristling Canterbury sunshine, the mountain backdrop and rugged Canterbury coastline, and now more than ever the passion of the local winemakers and growers to really push the boundaries. Our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc of North Canterbury truly reflect this terroir. Central Otago for us speaks of Lowburn and Pinot Noir. From these ancient unique soils of our Manata Estate come Pinot Noir’s of grace, presence and persistence. Our Marlborough story is one of a special small biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc vineyard above the Waihopai and Tyntesfield Valley’s. A truly remarkable expression.
These wines wear an original piece of Patricia Curtin botanical art of a Vitis vinifera grapevine, keeping a strong link to the nature inspired stories of Pyramid Valley.
From time to time we add some fun small parcel wines to this collection as we look towards our future stories and winemaking efforts.
Waikari Estate Tasting Room
More info
Experience the beauty and wonder of our home with an intimate tasting at our Waikari Estate. Learn about our unique soils, climate, and farming philosophy as we guide you through our family of wines.
We are Natural M.A.D.E.
There’s a special way of thinking that runs through our family of wines. It starts with the belief that nature is in charge. We allow our vineyards to express their soils and place through natural, sustainable viticulture. Our vineyards are tended according to the principle of biodynamics, working with the energy of the cosmos and feeding the soils and ecosystem of the site to let nature work her wonders. Where possible we use the natural ecosystem of the vineyard and winery to ferment our wines and any intervention is kept to a minimum. This results in a wine that tastes like nothing else on this planet. Natural is also about us, these wines reflect us as people, how we live within our place and the natural forces that shape our approach. Wines, after all, are made by people. This is why M.A.D.E is the fire in our belly. We craft experiences built on Modern, Art, Design and Escape. It’s how we share our love for the pleasure, culture and craft of wine.
The ocean has provided one of the most biologically rich sources of nutrition for natural farming.
For centuries seaweed has been applied as a tonic to vineyards throughout the world. Recently scientists discovered how to extract these natural tonics and transform them into a potent, high-quality product.
And you don’t have to live next to the beach.
Roses have been used for centuries in vineyards to provide early warning signs of pests and disease. Science and technology have created a more precise approach for prediction with designer weather stations. Roses remain in vineyards today simply for their beauty.
Rudolf Steiner’s biodynamic farming philosophy prescribed compost made from cow manure and herbs applied according to the rhythms of the sun and zodiac. Modern science has designed natural farming systems using the likes of alyssum planted to attract wasps that protect vines from invasive pests.
The world’s great vignerons wore out many boots walking the vineyard observing the vines to fine tune their care. Modern technology created drones armed with sensors to measure disease, vine health and more. However ground-breaking, robots will not replace boots and human touch in the vineyard.