Botanicals Collection
The Botanicals Collection represents the pinnacle of our achievements at Pyramid Valley.
Their story is rooted in the foundations of our Waikari farm 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 the 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 always been vinted as highly individual wines. Each wine is named after the common colloquial name of the meadow plant dominant in its respective vineyard block and each wears a wonderful piece of Patricia Curtan 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. They are wines that truly breathe of their place.
Botanicals Collection
The Botanicals 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 the 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 Curtan 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.
Pastures Collection
The Pastures Collection – replacing 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 collection includes a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from North Canterbury and a Pinot Noir from Central Otago, somewhat like the village wines of Burgundy. And, like Burgundy and the Loire, we will celebrate single vineyard and small block parcels named after the heritage of the vineyard, culture and people.
We love the rawness and genuine coolness of North Canterbury, the slopes, the limestone and rocks, the bristling sunshine, the mountain backdrop and rugged coastline, and now more than ever the passion of the local winemakers and growers to really push the boundaries. Our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from North Canterbury truly reflect this terroir. Central Otago for us speaks of Lowburn and Pinot Noir. From these ancient unique soils of our Mānatu farm 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.
The Pastures Collection wines also celebrate botanical artistry. Each wine is adorned with a specific panel of art taken from an original watercolour painted by New Zealand botanical artist Jo Ewing and inspired by the farms of Pyramid Valley.
Pastures Collection
The Pastures Collection – replacing 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 collection includes a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from North Canterbury and a Pinot Noir from Central Otago, somewhat like the village wines of Burgundy. And, like Burgundy and the Loire, we will celebrate single vineyard and small block parcels named after the heritage of the vineyard, culture and people.
We love the rawness and genuine coolness of North Canterbury, the slopes, the limestone and rocks, the bristling sunshine, the mountain backdrop and rugged coastline, and now more than ever the passion of the local winemakers and growers to really push the boundaries. Our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from North Canterbury truly reflect this terroir. Central Otago for us speaks of Lowburn and Pinot Noir. From these ancient unique soils of our Manata farm 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.
Colours Collection
The Colours Collection represent the vanguard wines of Pyramid Valley - Sauvignon+, Orange and Rosé, celebrating our fine wine credentials and the natural approach to farming and winemaking, alongside the "colour" of the Pyramid Valley story.
Each wine is adorned with a piece of artwork celebrating the character of the wine, grapes, or vine alongside a cyanotype print of a pressed flower from a plant endemic in these vineyards and gardens. For Sauvignon+ it is Queen Anne’s lace on a vivid green background. The Orange is a nasturtium on a brooding orange palette. The Rosé is the mallow flower on a bluish-purple background that reflects the colour of ripe Pinot Noir grapes.
Inspired by the mural by Christchurch artists Morpork and Yikes within the original Pyramid Valley winery, the alchemic symbol for ‘spirit’ now adorns our Colours Collection labels. Spirit in alchemy is the essence of life, giving substance, strength and energy. What is found in the bottle, are delicious wines that celebrate the spirit of Pyramid Valley: nature first, pushing the boundaries, vitality.
Colours Collection
The Colours Collection represent the vanguard wines of Pyramid Valley - Sauvignon+, Orange and Rosé, celebrating our fine wine credentials and the natural approach to farming and winemaking, alongside the "colour" of the Pyramid Valley story.
Each wine is adorned with a piece of artwork celebrating the character of the wine, grapes, or vine alongside a cyanotype print of a pressed flower from a plant endemic in these vineyards and gardens. For Sauvignon+ it is Queen Anne’s lace on a vivid green background. The Orange is a nasturtium on a brooding orange palette. The Rosé is the mallow flower on a bluish-purple background that reflects the colour of ripe Pinot Noir grapes.
Inspired by the mural by Christchurch artists Morpork and Yikes within the original Pyramid Valley winery, the alchemic symbol for ‘spirit’ now adorns our Colours Collection labels. Spirit in alchemy is the essence of life, giving substance, strength and energy. What is found in the bottle, are delicious wines that celebrate the spirit of Pyramid Valley: nature first, pushing the boundaries, vitality.
Waikari Estate Tasting Room
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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.