ohau wines

ohau gravels – New Zealand

The pioneers in the Ōhau gravels 

The still young winery Ōhau Wines is located in New Zealand’s youngest wine-growing region Ōhau, in the Horowhenua region in the lower part of the North Island. The spectacular mountain range of the Tararua Ranges, also popular as a ski resort, forms the backdrop for the new vineyards in Ōhau. Forty hectares are currently planted with vines. For centuries, the area has been shaped by the Ōhau River, which has created gravel deposits that create a stony but fertile soil. The region is known as an agricultural hotspot that is appreciated for its products from vegetable cultivation. The area’s winemaking potential was discovered by local winemaker Kate Gibbs, who realised that the soils of the river terraces resemble some of the better locations in Marlborough. Sun rays warm the stones, which in turn reflect the heat on the vines, ideal to produce high-quality grapes and top wines. 

Tradition, modern technology and women’s power

A successful team around the managing director Donna Riley and the winemaker Jane Cooper works at the winery. Jane is one of New Zealand’s leading winemakers and has won numerous national and international awards for her wines. Winemaking has taken Jane to Chile, the Hunter Valley in Australia and Trento in Italy. Her experience in New Zealand winemaking includes working for Seifried Estate in Nelson and at Matahiwi Estate in the Wairarapa. Jane’s goal is to preserve as much of the distinctive properties of the Ōhau fruit as possible. Modern technology and techniques are used alongside a traditional approach. The wines of this young, up-and-coming winery express the formulated company philosophy very well. They are authentic, courageous and unpretentious.

The wines of Ohau wines