Torlesse Wines is a family-owned and operated winery nestled in the heart of the Waipara Valley, North Canterbury, New Zealand. Established in 1991, it stands as one of the pioneering wineries in the region, with a rich history dating back over three decades.
The winery takes its name from Charles Torlesse, an early Canterbury resident, surveyor, and farmer who left his mark on the region. Interestingly, the name Torlesse is also given to the underlying bedrock from which most New Zealand soils are derived, making it truly representative of the country’s terroir.
Torlesse Wines is known for its commitment to quality and hand-crafted approach. The winemaking team, led by Ben and Pete Rayner, brings passion and curiosity to their craft, continually driving the brand forward and expanding the quality and diversity of their products. The winery processes most of its grapes by hand and uses batch processing to keep different vineyard components separate for assessment until final blending.
The Torlesse vineyard encompasses around 80 acres spread across four distinct blocks, each with its unique terroir. This diversity allows the winery to produce a wide range of wines, with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir being their largest varieties. However, Torlesse is also known for its smaller batches of less mainstream varieties, which set them apart in the market.
Visitors to Torlesse Wines can enjoy a welcoming cellar door experience, opened in March 2000. The cellar door is housed in a converted red barn that also serves as the winery. Here, wine enthusiasts can sample a variety of vintages and styles, including their popular Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer.
Torlesse Wines is committed to sustainable practices, being a foundation member of the Greening Waipara initiative. The winery grounds feature hundreds of native plant species, which visitors can explore on the popular Biodiversity Trail.
With its long-standing presence in the Waipara Valley, dedication to quality winemaking, and warm family atmosphere, Torlesse Wines offers a genuine taste of New Zealand’s wine heritage.
Contact
Address:
Loffhaven Drive
Waipara 7483
Website: Torlesse Wines