The winery is located in Richmond, not far from the city of Nelson (region of the same name, Waimea Plains sub-region) in the north of
New Zealand's South Island. It was founded in the early 1990s by Trevor Bolitho (Managing Director) and his wife Robyn. The first vines were planted in 1993 and the first wines were marketed in 1997. In the meantime, son Ben Bolitho (winemaker and general manager) also works in the business with his wife Anna. Trudy Sheild is responsible as cellar master and head winemaker. The vineyards cover more than 140 hectares, which are divided into six vineyards. Only their own grapes are processed (no purchase or contract winemakers).
The vineyards are cultivated according to the guidelines of the association "Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand" with the aim of
ecological, social and economic
sustainability. This is promoted by, among other things, the introduction of wildlife, the cultivation of native grasses and trees, and the use of a flock of sheep. The sheep remove grass, weeds and leaves while providing
fertiliser. They are planted with the white wine varieties Sauvignon Blanc (over 50%), Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Viognier, Sauvignon Gris, Albariño (Alvarinho) and Grüner Veltliner, as well as the red wine varieties Pinot Noir (18%), Cabernet Franc and Syrah.
All wines are produced in their own winery. The premium wines are "Trev's Red" (two thirds Cabernet Franc, Syrah, 5% Viognier, matured for 10 months in a combination of old and new French and American barriques), "Waimea Sauvignon Blanc" (grapes from five different vineyards, a small part is left on the
fine lees with frequent stirring for over a month) and "Waimea Pinot Noir" (grapes from four different vineyards, matured for 10 months in French barriques).
Around 80% of the production is exported worldwide. It is worth mentioning that Waimea Estates donates an amount to the "Tuatara Trust" with every bottle of the "Spinyback" brand sold in order to promote the preservation of the Tuatara (tuatara), a unique scaled lizard that is around 235 million years old. Stephens Island off the coast of Nelson is the largest refuge of this "living fossil".
