The Land
The best sites for the best wine
New Zealand is such a special and unique place to grow grapes because of our extraordinary unblemished sunlight and just the right amount of hot and cold temperatures.
At Čuvar we have carefully chosen vineyards where we know nature can do its best work, then we trust the seasons to shape the unique distinction of each vintage.
New Zealand Region
Hawke’s Bay
The diversity of the terroir, combined with an easy-going climate boasting plenty of sunshine hours, makes Hawke’s Bay a region designed to deliver exceptional fruit, where the long growing season produces a spectrum of varieties.
Hawke’s Bay
Čuvar ‘Homeblock’ Bayview
Elevation 16-17 metres. 1.29 Ha.
In 1986, before he was a Sir, George Fistonich carefully shaped the hillside overlooking the South Pacific in Hawke Bay, carving terraces into the land with quiet vision. Today, while the upper slopes are being replanted, the lower vineyard still holds its roots — 15-year-old Chardonnay vines (clone 95) thriving in loam soils. This is our home block, with the winery nestled just above, watching over the vines.
Planted Varieties:
Chardonnay
Hawke’s Bay
Cornerstone
Elevation 27 – 32 metres. 27 Ha.
The jewel in the Gimblett Gravels crown, Cornerstone was planted in the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation, the only one classified on soil type and not the geography. The free-draining soils were formed after the flooding of the Ngaruroro River back in 1867. While it naturally has low rainfall, if we get a good downpour, the next day we wonder if rain fell at all, with water quickly wicked from the feet of the vines to allow just a quick drink.
The old adage ‘treat them mean, keep them keen’ is apt here. Our Cornerstone vineyard can often be one of the messiest vineyards among its neighbours, but where it may not win a beauty contest it more than makes up for it where it counts – in the bottle.
Planted varieties and clones: Syrah (Limmer), Merlot (481), Malbec (BDX 595), Cabernet Sauvignon (Erindale, UCD4 and UCD1), Cabernet Franc (cl.214, cl.326)
Soil type: Gravel
Vine age: Majority 22 years
Hawke’s Bay
‘Te Hau’ Matapiro – Crownthorpe
Elevation 120-130 metres. 15.5 Ha.
A recent addition to our estate, this compact, north-facing vineyard in Central Hawke’s Bay delivered its first harvest of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 2024. Set on well-drained loam soils and shaped by steady coastal breezes, it produces fruit with clarity and energy.
We’ve named this block Te Hau (pronounced “Teh Ho”) — meaning the wind in Te Reo Māori. It’s a nod to the ever-present breeze that flows through the site, but also to something deeper: hau can also mean vital essence or breath of life — capturing the spirit of this place and the wines it inspires.
Planted Varieties: Pinot Gris (unk), Sauvignon Blanc (MS), Pinot Noir (667), Chardonnay (95)
Soil type: Silt Loam Soil
Vine age: Sauvignon Blanc (10 years), Chardonnay (4-6 years), Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris (15 years)
New Zealand Region
Marlborough
Recognised as one of the premium wine producing regions in the world, this sunny, dry and cool north-eastern corner of the South Island offers ideal grape growing conditions against picture-perfect backdrops.
Marlborough
Ballochdale, Awatere Valley
Elevation 300 metres. 28.35 Ha.
On an isolated peninsula of land, surrounded by deep ravines and covered with native bush, a lot of love and labour went into transforming what was once a sheep farm into a vineyard 300 metres above sea level. This high altitude, combines with a sheltered location, isolation, a northerly aspect and the evenness and suitability of soils to produce wines of identity and intensity. The site includes 30ha. of native bush which is now a conservation area closed to grazing.
The space is soul food for winemakers and visitors alike. And in a world that increasingly makes decisions based on commodities and volume, it is heartening to have a vineyard that is there for the love of good wine and practices.
Planted Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc (MS), and Pinot Noir (cl.5, cl.667 and 115)
Soil type: Clay Loam
Vine age: 23 years
Our Story
Beyond great wines, Čuvar is a hub of excellence and innovation for a new generation of wine custodians.
Our Team
Driven by respect for our craft, and for the land that enables it, we have built a team united in their vision to elevate and uphold the benchmark for New Zealand wine.