Braided River Wines is a boutique winery located in the picturesque Waitaki Valley of New Zealand’s South Island. Founded in the early 2000s, this small-scale producer has quickly gained recognition for crafting exceptional cool-climate wines that beautifully express the unique terroir of the region.
Vineyard and Terroir
The winery takes its name from the nearby Waitaki River, a braided river system that has shaped the valley’s distinctive landscape over millennia. Braided River’s vineyards benefit from the area’s limestone-rich soils, a legacy of the region’s ancient marine past, as well as deposits of loess and alluvial material. This complex soil composition, combined with the Waitaki Valley’s cool climate, creates ideal conditions for producing wines of remarkable depth and character.
Wine Portfolio
Braided River specialises in producing limited quantities of high-quality wines, focusing primarily on three varietals:
- Riesling: Known for its crisp acidity and mineral notes
- Pinot Noir: Elegant and expressive of the region’s terroir
- Pinot Gris: Aromatic and well-balanced
These varieties thrive in the Waitaki Valley’s cool climate, resulting in wines that showcase purity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and a distinct mineral character.
Winemaking Philosophy
The winery embraces a minimalist approach to winemaking, allowing the unique characteristics of the Waitaki Valley terroir to shine through in each bottle. By producing small batches, Braided River ensures meticulous attention to detail throughout the winemaking process, from vineyard management to bottling.
Recognition
Despite its relatively young age, Braided River has quickly established itself as a notable producer in New Zealand’s wine scene. The winery’s commitment to quality and expression of place has garnered attention from wine enthusiasts and critics alike, contributing to the growing reputation of the Waitaki Valley as an exciting wine region.
Braided River Wines offers wine lovers the opportunity to experience the distinctive character of the Waitaki Valley through their carefully crafted, small-production wines. Their dedication to showcasing the unique terroir of this emerging wine region makes them a standout producer in New Zealand’s diverse wine landscape.
Contact
Address:
24 Langdales Road
West Melton 7676
Website: Braided River Wines