waipara river estate

Buy wine from Waipara River Estate

Waipara River Estate was formerly Glenmark Wines, which planted the first vineyard in Waipara in 1981. The 80 acre farm, purchased in 2007, grows grapes, raises beef cattle, and has a luxury B&B, Annie's Loft & Studio.

Waipara River Estate is located at 169 Mackenzies Road, Waipara, New Zealand less than an hour's drive north of Christchurch - the South Island city recently named one of the Great Wine Capitals of the World.

The Weka River, a tributary of the Waipara River runs through our farm. We have fabulous 360 degree panoramas to Mt Cass, Mt Grey, the Three Deans Range and the start of the Weka Gorge.

Waipara River Estate is a boutique vineyard using sustainable winegrowing practices. The distinctive terroir produces premium quality handcrafted estate grown wines with superb style and elegance.

We have some of the earliest vines planted in Waipara in the 1980s by John McCaskey of Glenmark Wines. These old deep rooted vines on their own roots form the current Waipara River Estate vineyard in the block that we call ‘The Original Vineyard’ and are being supplemented with new grafted clones selected to suit Waipara. The old vines produce wines with a greater depth and intensity than newer vines.

For over 20 years as Glenmark Wines, this vineyard won some 45 medals including several Gold medals and a New Zealand Champion - a tradition we fully expect to uphold.

Varieties:

Riesling & Pinot Noir