Vineyards are part of a larger ecosystem which has to work together in a way that is sustainable for the vineyard operation as well as for local species. Biodiversity helps keep our vineyards sustainable.

Many parts of our vineyard land are now in an environmentally healthier state than before the vineyards were developed.

On Kaituna vineyard in Marlborough, we cleaned the natural watercourse and replanted the area in appropriate natives. Now the series of four interlinked ponds are a haven for waterfowl. With our help, the native species are now winning the battle against exotic plants in one of very few remaining wetlands in Marlborough.

Similar areas are being reclaimed at Brancott Estate and the Awatere Valley. In Hawke’s Bay, wetlands have also been reclaimed at our Tuki-Tuki and Korokipo vineyards, while native plantings at Twin Rivers helped to resettle native birds.

Selected complementary crops between vineyard rows also promote sustainability. These crops moderate the fertility of the soil where necessary and provide a habitat for beneficial insect species.