Alex Paddocks

This beautiful terrace, located near Alexandra, was purchased in 1998 and we immediately planted all the plantable land in grafted Burgundian clones (Pinot Noir). The total planted is perhaps six acres on a twenty acre block. The balance of the land is very dramatic wind-carved rocky outcrops and bluffs. The vineyard faces and slopes toward the sunny north.

We have a humble shed on this property named Chateau Paddeaux D'Alex. Through the vineyard runs a water race to which we have partial water rights. This was made by hand (like our wines) by goldminers in the 1860s and is called "The Last Chance" scheme.

Since 2001, we normally produce a single vineyard top premium pinot “The Last Chance” – its consistently outstanding qualities are now becoming somewhat famous. This is grand cru country. Since 2008, certified fully organic.

The first crop from these vines was used in our 2001 vintage Pinot; our first wine that was truly from two paddocks—Alex Paddocks and One Paddock Gibbston. We are certain this will be one of New Zealand's famous and great little vineyards in years to come.