Continuing our travels around New Zealand, this month we head back down to visit the Huia Vineyard in Marlborough, where they produce a range of delicious, hand-crafted, naturally made wines. Read on for the Huia story…
“Huia is one of the pioneering, small Marlborough organic wine labels that has been making low intervention, vegan wine for a long time. Thinking about what people want now, these wines, with no nasties in them, are what society is expecting of wine producers. We need to take some of the tools that nature has given us and apply those intelligently to managing the vineyards, to ensure we’re minimizing our footprint.”
A boutique winery, even by New Zealand standards, Huia Vineyards has been extremely successful abroad enjoying representation in world-class establishments like the Michelin-starred Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay in Knightsbridge, London.
Huia is built on the belief that a natural approach to winemaking produces the best tasting wine. Their focus is to become more and more in tune with the total environment of the vineyards. Working in harmony with the entire countryside provides balance and longevity.
THE PEOPLE
After 26 years, Huia has a new owner. As industry stalwarts, Claire & Mike Allan depart from the winery they started, new proprietor, Tom Pegler, looks forward to steering Huia into a bright future built on the legacy crafted and well established around the world.
Huia Vineyard’s new owner, Tom Pegler who has a background in investing, has spent the last five years working for some of New Zealand’s most recognised wineries and honing his passion for the craft of making wine. He has always had a love of food and wine which has been further cemented by the experience of working in the cellar. After gaining this insight into the New Zealand wine industry, he has been on the hunt for a winery to buy and call his own.
This hasn’t been an overnight decision. His search has covered miles and over four years to find a winery that met his strict criteria. “I’ve always wanted to make a product that I’m proud of, something I can put my name to. The quality aspect had to be there.” he said.
Read more about Tom here: https://www.huiavineyards.com/journal/a-change-of-season-at-huia
As Huia starts what you could call a new season, new opportunities to share the land with new custodians begin too. Viticulturist Georges von der Decken and Winemaker, Josh Lee have also joined the company and bring with them an enthusiasm to respect the legacy, while relishing a chance to make their own impression.
Huia’s new viticulturist, Georges von der Decken hails from Hamburg Germany and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Huia. Georges is a seasoned viticulturist, with a background in viticulture and oenology: his philosophy of using biodynamic practices and holistic vineyard management aligns perfectly with Huia’s vision of sustainable & eco-friendly wine making processes. Georges says “For me, growing grapes organically is about passion – it’s about doing the right thing and just trying to creating a better product in the end.”
Winemaker, Josh Lee may have big shoes to fill but his experience in making delicious wine around Aotearoa along with the romantic climes of places like Spain, Germany and Greece, we know he’s one foot stomp away from making his own mark and we couldn’t be more excited. Originally from Brighton, UK Josh came to Marlborough just for a vintage at Dog Point in 2016 and was just blown away by the stunning landscape. He fell in love with the region and always knew that Marlborough was a place he wanted to come back to.
THE PLACE
Organically grown and deeply connected to family roots, Huia wines embody a profound respect for heritage and connection – a respect for the land that shaped them, the traditions that guide them and the valued connections they nurtured over time. Huia is built on the belief that a natural approach to winemaking produces the best tasting wine. Their focus is to become more and more in tune with the total environment of the vineyards.
This premium site consists of free draining alluvial silts and undulating stony nature, close to the Wairau River and is well in the lee of the Richmond Range. The Wairau plains were formed originally by glacial action and the ranges, which define the valley and contain the course of the Wairau River, lead to a diverse range of soils. As a rule of thumb the vineyards close to the river have a large level of stones and alluvials silts. Through the centre of the valley and towards the Wither Hills the soils become richer and as you approach the slopes of the hills there is a higher proportion of clay.
Working in harmony with the entire countryside provides balance and longevity. Sheep wander through the vines and chickens free roam to provide eggs. Inter-row plantings during the spring including legumes, poppies and other wildflowers. Olive trees are planted on the borders and make delicious olive oil too.
From the start, the Huia vineyards have been nurtured with an ever increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability and organics. As the years have passed, the more evident it is that healthy clean vineyards are great places to live and work and produce more characterful wines. Every year they seem to just get better. The 9 hectare home vineyard is situated in Marlborough’s Rapaura district.
THE WINE-MAKING
Their winemaking is inspired by the revered Huia Bird – a sacred Maori symbol of honour and partnership. Each feather symbolised status and significance, a gift embodying the deepest respect. In the same spirit, each wine is crafted with deep care and integrity.
They take a thoughtful, unhurried approach, driven by the pursuit of purity and balance, using time as a tool, and taking a few risks in their pursuit of something unique. Grapes are grown organically and they employ biodynamic principles, crafting the varieties that the world has come to know and love from Marlborough, but with Huia character.
Wines are made using a range of techniques include but not limited to, hand harvesting, whole bunch pressing, organic ferments, in both stainless steel and oak, maturing in oak & bottle, Methode Traditionelle bubbles are hand riddled etc.
THE WINES
The Huia white wine range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewurztraminer & Viognier, Tangle (an aromatic blend) a Rose, Pinot Noir a Blanc de Blanc and a Brut Rose Methode Traditionelle bubbles complete the lineup. You can explore each wine on the website – Full tasting notes are available for each wine
From the 2024 vintage Huia will have a new look – new labels and packaging as part of an extensive rebranding initiative. The refreshed visual identity honours the legacy of Huia Vineyards, while providing an invigorated brand to tell the next chapter of the Huia Story.
Shop online here: https://www.huiavineyards.com/store
CELLAR DOOR
If you are visiting Marlborough pop into the Huia Wine Store which is open Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4pm so you can buy your favourite Huia wine to take home all year round.
Tastings at the Cellar Door are available from 21st October 2024 till 27th April 2025, between 10.30am and 4.30pm through the summer season. Bookings recommended to avoid disappointment. They will be offering Bespoke Private Wine Experiences / Tours during the winter months. Bookings are essential for those. POA, 2-6 people. https://www.huiavineyards.com/cellar-door
Huia is a member of both Appellation Marlborough Wine https://www.appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz/ and MANA Wine Growers.
To follow on the socials visit @huia_vineyards on Instagram and @huiavineyards on Facebook.