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 Terrace Bayview
Elevation 225—245 metres. 5.25 Ha.
In 1986 George Fistonich (he wasn’t yet a Sir) gently carved out the slopes on this hillside that looked out over the South Pacific Ocean of Hawke Bay. The terraces follow the naturally undulating curvature of the hill and are basked in sunlight and with arguably one of the best views in Hawkes Bay.
Due to its terrain, this vineyard is always hand-picked and requires intensive hands-on vineyard work. It is not a popular site with the accountant, so we tend do first and get asked questions later. But at the end of the day, this prima donna vineyard needs no restrictions to enable it to fully express its awesomeness.
Planted Varieties:
Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay (lower vineyard)
Hawke’s Bay
Cornerstone
Elevation 27 – 32 metres. 22.63 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:
Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Viognier
Hawke’s Bay
Te Hau Matapiro – Crownthorpe
Elevation 120-130 metres. 15.5 Ha.
A recently acquired vineyard, we have yet to get fruit off this vineyard but if ever there was a vineyard that has a ‘feel’ it is this one. We went out to see the property when it was for sale and then argued as to who was going to get to live out there. The spot is peaceful and with an arresting view out over the inland Hawkes Bay plateau.
The vineyard is compact north facing, with well drained loam, and efficient with a good array of fruit.
Planted varieties:
Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
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 120-130 metres. 15.5 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, Pinot Noir
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.