| 7 VINEYARD » Te Kano Estate Agri-science gong for Northburn Vineyard Kim Newth Otago’s 2024 Ballance Farm Environment Awards has brought recognition for the talented team at Te Kano’s Northburn Vineyard. Winemaker Dave Sutton, Te Kano general manager Nick Hunter and vineyard manager Mark Naismith were honoured with the 2024 Hill Labs Agri-Science Award for the Cromwell vineyard. “It is a fantastic validation for all the effort put in over the years to reduce our footprint ecologically speaking and make improvements to the land,” says Dave. “This is a long term endeavour and it’s great to have that recognised.” Owned by Keith and Rhonda Lloyd, Northburn is the largest of Te Kano Estate’s four vineyards. Converted from former dryland sheep farming country, starting in 2015, the 120ha (41ha effective) irrigated vineyard has a rich history with its roots in the old mining days. Traces of those times can still be glimpsed today, but striking also are large new areas of native planting. A science-based approach has been used to support regeneration, sustainability and productivity. Before any vines went in at Northburn, ground penetrating radar was used to generate soil maps and that data then guided planting decisions by enabling precise matching of soil types with particular varieties and fruit stocks. “When you then layer an irrigation map over the top of that, it gives you even more control. In these modern times we have so many tools available in the ag sector. For us, technology is key.” The Northburn site has a wide range of soil types, aspects and slopes. Around 70% of all planting is Pinot Noir, followed by Chardonnay and Pinot Gris with small parcels of Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc and even Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard enjoyed a bumper harvest season this year, shared with the wider region. “It was an exceptional vintage with fantastic quality. We’re very excited about the wines starting to come out.” Enriching vineyard soils is a fundamental priority, with cover crops, mulching and crimping used and organic approaches applied where it’s practicable to do so. “Instead of mowing grass between the vines, we use a roller-crimper that cuts the grass stems SALEDATE: Friday 6 December - Ranfurly Simon Eddington - PGGWrightson 027 590 8612 Keegan Gray - PGGWrightson 027 288 7529 ANNUAL DOHNE TWOTOOTH RAMSALE THURSDAY5th DECEMBER and then flattens them over. It creates a thick mat between the vines that keeps moisture in the soil and boosts microbial activity. The mindset is shifting as we increasingly see the vineyard as a whole ecosystem and every part of it as an asset.” An ancient Kowhai tree above Northburn vineyard forms the basis of the Te Kano values around life, land and legacy. Te Kano (Maori for seed) has a regenerating landscape, enhanced with plants grown on site including seeds from this very tree. Dave has worked extensively in viticulture and winemaking in New Zealand and around the world, but says Central Otago is “super special.” Proudly supporting Te Kano Estate “Our soils are really unique here and the landscape is so dramatic. The wine industry is still relatively young and there’s a lot of freedom for experimentation and styles, as well as an openness around sharing of knowledge.” The BFEA agri-science award is only the latest accolade for Te Kano, which has won many domestic and international wine awards. Northburn Green Gully.
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