In 1999, the Chapman family planted this vineyard and olive grove on a former sheep paddock in Waipara / North Canterbury, an emerging wine region on the South Island, an hour north of Christchurch. They are humble, generous and unassuming people, but other people in the wine industry have recognised the quality of their work.

Terrace Edge were voted best organic winery in New Zealand in 2018, and again in 2020. We had the pleasure of volunteering on the Chapmans’ estate for a week back in 2018.

Many of the wines from ‘our’ 2018 vintage have already been drank, but we remember netting the vines that would ultimately produce this one.

  The Chapmans make a considered and savoury style of wild-fermented Pinot Noir, which (like good Burgundy) needs a little longer to mature. This has rounded out nicely, and boasts strawberry and raspberry fruit, sweet spice (vanilla and cinnamon) from barrel ageing, and a classic earthy, savoury undertone.