Bellbird Spring

Cantina e Vini

Our original vineyard, Home Block, was planted in 2002. Sited on a terrace above the Waipara river, the soil - a type known as “Glasnevin Gravel” is light and free draining, offering great aroma to our wines. One hectare of this site is dedicated to our Vin de Terroir – Home Block White. There is no easy translation of the French term – this is a wine meant to express the nature of the soil, microclimate and other subtle aspects of its surroundings. A mix of Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Muscat Ottonell, this European style of wine offers something very different to the typical single-variety wine from New Zealand. On the Home Block we also grow Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand’s signature varieties. Block Eight, our second vineyard, was planted in 2004. This clay slope to the north of the river is composed of stony, sandy “Domett Clay”. Warmer than the Home Block, ripeness comes a little earlier to this site. Here we grow grapes for Block Eight Pinot Noir, Block Eight Sauvignon Blanc, and Block Eight Pinot Gris. Block Eight produces weightier wines, while the Home Block shows more vibrant aromatics. Both vineyards are managed in compliance with the organic requirements of BioGro New Zealand. Home Block also boasts a small olive grove, where we produce very fine extra virgin olive oil in small quantities.