Our Role
a i i a k i - u r d i a n o f o u r L a n d
Wine is very much a product of the natural world in which it is created, influenced by the people who work the vineyard and craft the wine. We speak of terroir and when we drink wine we taste the terroir. At DUNBAR ESTATES we are very conscious of our role as kaitiaki (guardians) of our land and are working hard to enhance the health of the land and environment. We are encouraging native forest regeneration alongside the grapes at the Ngatimoti property. In 2021 we have installed sculptures to remind us of the interconnections between all parts of the land and the natural world. These depict the story of Tane, the God of the forest, nourished by Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother beneath his feet, holding aloft Ranginui, the sky father. In achieving this separation, light was able to flood the world and allow living things to flourish.
A premier region
g a t i m o t V l l e y
The DUNBAR ESTATES property at Ngatimoti occupies a beautiful, peaceful rural location adjacent to the eastern bank of the Motueka River. The vineyard itself occupies a terrace sloping gently towards the river, catching the sun and allowing cold air to drain away. Frost is not a problem here, nor is water. The vines have at their back a native forest cloaked hill from which arises sufficient underground water to avoid necessity for irrigation, even in dry years. This is in marked contrast to Shine Basin.
The DUNBAR ESTATES property at Ngatimoti occupies a beautiful, peaceful rural location adjacent to the eastern bank of the Motueka River. The vineyard itself occupies a terrace sloping gently towards the river, catching the sun and allowing cold air to drain away. Frost is not a problem here, nor is water. The vines have at their back a native forest cloaked hill from which arises sufficient underground water to avoid necessity for irrigation, even in dry years. This is in marked contrast to Shine Basin.
Site Specific Characteristics
e l s o n T s m n G r a p e V a r i e
The Ngatimoti vineyard had originally been planted with a wide variety of grapes, including the Italian varieties Montepulciano and Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. However, not all were suited to the terroir and since taking over in 2017, John and Jennifer have made several changes.
Their Ngatimoti vineyard now produces Pinot Gris, Riesling and we are planting tall-stem vines of shiraz bailey (Syrah ) in the late spring of 2021, as an alternative red and a new challenge. Most of this is grown for our DUNBAR ESTATES label though some Pinot Gris is purchased by Kahurangi Estate and Neudorf.
All DUNBAR ESTATES wines are available for tasting and purchase at the Ngatimoti Cellar Door, or shop online.
John and Jennifer harvest a small amount of grapes from both their vineyards to produce wine under the DUNBAR ESTATES label. These wines are all made from estate grown, single vineyard, hand-picked fruit and made to reflect each vineyard’s unique terroir.
"Our style is about allowing each varietal to shine."
A premier region
h i n e B a i n
Shine Basin was the name given to the inland basin around the Clutha River during the gold rush of the 1860’s from the shine (gold) extracted there. Our vineyard sits almost centrally in this huge basin bounded to the north and west by the Pisa Range, the south by the Old Woman Range, the east by the Dunstan Range and the north-east by the St Bathans Range.
The ferocious north-west wind, whilst a torment on the ground, produces the most amazingly beautiful lenticular clouds. It is not surprising the vines need protection from spring frosts and supplementary irrigation throughout the growing season but grapes thrive in the extremes of this harsh environment, particularly pinot noir.
Shine Basin was the name given to the inland basin around the Clutha River during the gold rush of the 1860’s from the shine (gold) extracted there. Our vineyard sits almost centrally in this huge basin bounded to the north and west by the Pisa Range, the south by the Old Woman Range, the east by the Dunstan Range and the north-east by the St Bathans Range.
It is inevitable that such grandeur brings a sense of proportion to our lives in the knowledge that we as individuals form but a small part of something far greater all around us. The summer sun is severe but the clearest of light brings out intensity in the colours. The winters are harsh but sun on a hoar frost is a sight to treasure.
Site Specific Characteristics
e n t r a l t a o G r a p e V a r i e
Shine Basin in Central Otago is predominantly planted in a mixture of clones of Pinot Noir. When the vineyard was first planted in 2001 and 2002, we also added about 1ha each of Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Around half of the total plantings was on phylloxera resistant rootstock.
experiences
Let's Get Together!
Visit the Ngatimoti Cellar Door & Café to experience first-hand the magical atmosphere of the valley, nibble on the sweetest and ripest grapes and taste our best wines. Perfect for a family trip, your anniversary, or any social event.
