WINERY
CELLAR WITH HISTORY
Located at the top of the South Island of New Zealand in the sub-region of Brightwater, Nelson, our vineyards really are in the center of the land synonymous with the Middle-earth created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Accredited 100% sustainable with a producing area that totals more than 50 hectares across various blocks and lies in the confluence of two rivers, bordered by a scenic reserve on one side. An ideal location for premium grape growing with ancient alluvial soils that are stony and free draining with layered river silts. Expert vineyard management is aided with modern systems like computer controlled drip fed water supply if required along with natural practices of grazing sheep for grass and weed control makes us perfectly set up to provide premium quality, clean fruit to the winery. High sunshine hours and the cool, clear skies of autumn provide a slow ripening period that helps to retain the vibrant varietal flavours that make our wines so distinctive.
OUR REGION
The Nelson Tasman region is located in the geographical centre or middle-earth of New Zealand at the top of the South Island approximately 115km or 70 miles west of Marlborough and while its obvious quality of wines has attracted international acclaim, being slightly off the beaten track confers a wonderful sense of tranquility.
OUR REGION
The Nelson Tasman region is located in the geographical centre or middle-earth of New Zealand at the top of the South Island approximately 115km or 70 miles west of Marlborough and while its obvious quality of wines has attracted international acclaim, being slightly off the beaten track confers a wonderful sense of tranquility.
OUR WINEMAKER
Four generations of our family have lived in Brightwater for over 55 years with a long history of involvement in the community. Having moved from Southland when Rob was a young lad, the Grey family brought our property to run as a dairy farm producing milk for town supply. Rob stayed in the dairy industry until 1996 then began to convert the farm to vineyards; growing premium quality grapes for numerous prestigious New Zealand wine brands including Kim Crawford and Craggy Range. In 2011, Rob’s daughter Kylie and her husband Ryan O’Connell moved back to Brightwater and together with Rob launched Middle-Earth wines. In 2016, we proudly added to our portfolio launching Middle-Earth Water. Rob, with his extensive farming background and knowledge of our land, continues to oversee the operations of the vineyards as well as travelling as an ambassador for Middle-Earth wines and water. Ryan has spent his career in the wine industry, both here in New Zealand and overseas. Ryan now oversees our business looking after all general management, marketing, exporting and operations. Kylie is the glue that holds us all together and looks after all accounts, administration and logistics – a massive job!
SUSTAINABILITY
We are accredited sustainable winegrowers New Zealand has long been famed for its stunning unspoiled landscape. This has earned our country a clean, green image. We aim to uphold this image by protecting the environmental integrity of our wine production in both the vineyard and in the winery. Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was developed to: Provide a best practice model of environmental practices in the vineyard and winery. Guarantee better quality assurance from the vineyard through to the bottle. Address consumer concerns in matters pertaining to the environment and wine grape production. We care passionately about our land as well as the global community and are proud to be 100% sustainably accredited.