With a dusting of snow on the distant ranges, winter has well and truly arrived at our Gimblett Gravels vineyard in Hawke’s Bay, and pruning is in full swing.
In New Zealand, where many vineyards are still relatively young, it can be hard to picture our vines in 50 years time, but the way we prune them today plays a crucial role in their longevity and the quality of fruit they produce. Guided by the long-term vision of our 1,000 year family trust, every decision we make is with the future in mind.
We have been working with international experts to trial soft pruning, a gentler method that protects the vine’s vascular system by minimising large cuts and preserving sap flow. This technique fosters improved vine health, resilience, and improved long-term productivity of the vines.
We are lucky to have familiar hands leading this work, like local couple Wanna and Phatsikorn, who have been returning each year to care for our Prestige blocks in the Gimblett Gravels. Their attention to detail is second to none, and this follows through to the bottle.
BEST IN SHOW | 97 Points 2024 Craggy Range Martinborough Pinot Noir
We are excited to share that our 2024 Martinborough Pinot Noir has been awarded ‘Best in Show’ and an outstanding 97 points at the 2025 @decanter World Wine Awards, an honour achieved by only 50 wines out of more than 16,000 entered from across the globe.
This prestigious international accolade is a huge recognition for the small but mighty Martinborough region, where we have been proudly farming our estate-grown grapes for over 25 years.
The judges described the wine as: “…an uncompromisingly dark wine that plays to New Zealand’s strengths in terms of purity and vivacity of fruit: raspberry, cherry and plum come streaming from the glass, and the fine meshing of fruit and oak in this wine adds to its lustre and appeal...”
Now in its 22nd year, the @decanterawards is recognised as one of the world’s largest and most influential wine competitions, trusted globally for its rigorous judging and unrivalled panel of international experts. We are incredibly proud to be recognised among the world’s best.
We are incredibly proud to share that two of our talented team members have taken top honours at the Regional Young Viticulturist Awards @nzyoungvit.
Nick Putt, based at our Gimblett Gravels vineyard in Hawke’s Bay, and James Sutcliffe, based at our Te Muna vineyard in Martinborough, both took out their regional competitions - and will now head to the national finals at @greystonewines in Waipara.
Launching in 2006, the Young Viticulturist of the Year is a respected programme designed to support and celebrate passionate young viticulturists under thirty. After a series of Education Days and six regional events, finalists face a challenging mix of theoretical and practical tests covering everything from machinery and pests to budgeting, pruning, wine knowledge, and public speaking.
An intense but rewarding experience that builds confidence, knowledge, and a strong sense of community across the industry. We are thrilled to have such passionate, skilled individuals representing Craggy Range and the next generation of viticulture in New Zealand.