Kono vineyards are certified by Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. We see this as integral to our values of kaitiakitanga — working with the environment without compromising it.

Awatere Valley Vineyard

Situated in the upper valley 200m above sea level, this vineyard has Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku as a backdrop. And the Awatere River flowing on its western boundary.

Legend has it that Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku is named after an ancestor, Uenuku. He dates back to a time when atua (gods) roamed the earth. The presence of Uenuku is symbolised by a double rainbow that often frames the mountain after stormy weather.

According to legend, the early chief, Tawhaki sought his atua wife and child by climbing the rainbow of Uenuku to reach heaven. The sacred steps of Uenuku - Nga Tapu Wae o Uenuku - Tapuae-o-Uenuku. 

While the breathtaking beauty makes our Awatere Valley vineyard a noble site, a series of river terraces, stony with alluvial gravels and wind-blown loess provide the foundations for growing vines that produce outstanding fruit.

Being cooler and drier than other local sub-regions, the growing season is longer and ripening is slower. We give special attention to vine management, vine monitoring, crop levels and yields, allowing the winemaking team to harvest parcels of fruit at the optimum time, capturing the very essence of this vineyard.

The vineyard produces Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Pinot Blanc.

Waihōpai Valley Vineyard

Ancient glacial activity formed this site and Waihōpai was the name given to it. This name is in reference to the pleasant sounds made by the waters of the river as it meanders through the valley to the sea. Originally used for agriculture, the stony gravels interspersed with high levels of clays are highly suited to growing Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir vines.

Located at the lower end of the Waihōpai Valley, this site is exposed to cold air drifting down the valley from nearby mountains. This creates a slightly cooler climate and later ripening than vineyards further down on the plains.

Direct and close vine-to-wine management results in slightly lower yields than could be achieved commercially. But it means we can ensure premium fruit quality and meet our sustainability standards.

Whenua Matua Vineyard 

Whenua Matua means significant land, and this location is certainly that. Located on historical tribal land with a history which includes the Nelson 10ths Native Reserves, thisvineyard is extremely special to those associated with Tohu. 

The Moutere Hills region is composed of gentle rolling country with clay soils laced with layers of gravel. The climate here is warm with high sunshine hours.

The Whenua Matua vineyard is located on sloping country, predominately north facing. These slopes experience excellent airflow during frost prone periods of the growing season. Due to the vineyard’s elevation, it is exposed to breezes that help dry the canopy and reduce disease pressure. Soils found on some areas of the Whenua Matua vineyard are heavier and clay-based – ideal for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

The vineyard has spectacular views of the mountains in Kahurangi National Park including Mt Pukeone, the ancestral mountain of the Motueka iwi (tribes).

As well as growing superb grapes, our vineyards have significant New Zealand native plant species. We protect existing plants and are involved in annual plantings. The practice of nurturing and giving back to the land is paramount to our beliefs and culture.