Esk Valley

In 1986, Sir George Fistonich purchased the Glenvale Winery in New Zealand from the Bird Family. There has been no turning back ever since for this company. Gordon Russell joined as the winemaker here in the 1980s, and the company started making innovative wines, after that. New winemaking styles and stylish grape varietals were introduced in the wineries in Hawkes Bay and Esk Valley.

The vineyards from where the Esk Valley wines are created are Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels and Marlborough. 

Hawkes Bay – Located on the east coast of the North Island, Hawkes Bay is the most ancient wine-producing region in New Zealand. The area is known for its diverse soil qualities, and unique terroirs. White and red Bordeaux grape varietals grow well here. Chardonnay and Syrah are the most common varietals found here.

Gimblett Gravels – Known for its shingle soils and temperatures hotter than Hawkes Bay, the Gimblett Gravels Vineyards is known for producing some of the world’s best red grapes. Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grown here are rich-bodied, elegant and complex, because they are exposed to the sun for a long time.

Marlborough – This is not only the biggest wine-producing region in New Zealand, but the most popular one as well. While the sunshine hours here are some of the longest that you will get in New Zealand, the night-time temperatures are very cool. Therefore the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grown here are fresh and acidic, with the fruit's flavours dominating the taste of the wine.

Esk Valley produces three ranges of wines – Estate, Winemakers Reserve and Heipipi. The Estate Range includes those wines crafted with a lot of passion, using some of the best grapes grown in Hawkes Bay and Marlborough. Winemakers Reserve Range of wines include wines sourced from historic and most-favoured vineyards of the makers. Heipipi Range includes wines crafted from the north-facing vineyard located at Bay View, in Hawkes Bay.

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