First dawn of the first Caldera crop

Much like the impact of the breaking dawn on a small child on Christmas day, the moment of realisation that the vineyard’s plump Pinot grapes were ripe for the plucking was met with more than a little jubilation from the Caldera camp.

Necks were clicked and fingers warmed as our primed and focused grape-gangs prepped to select only the best of the low-yield fruit. This would be the first harvest for the first release of the first premium wine made under the Caldera Vineyard Estate name from grapes grown beneath the Akaroa sky.

Although the boutique vineyard has only been operating under the Caldera ownership for a relatively short time, its relationship with local winegrowers and winemakers is long and strong.

The fact that vines planted decades ago have matured so successfully, continuing to produce top rate fruit for fine New Zealand wines, is thanks in no small part to the ongoing support and expertise of the multitude of good people that we’re proud to call friends.