Waipara River Estate is a historic and family-owned boutique vineyard, farm, and Bed and Breakfastsituated in the heart of the Waipara Valley, New Zealand.
The estate specializes in producing a select range of premium quality wines using grapes from its own estate vines as Single Vineyard Releases. The estate's old vines include the first planted in the valley by pioneer John McCaskey in the early 1980s.
Tasting and Sales
Waipara River Estate offers tastings and sales by appointment-only. This is an opportunity for visitors to learn about the winemaking process and sample their premium range of select wines. The estate's wine is available for purchase on-site, and visitors can take a bottle or case to commemorate their visit.
Waipara Valley Wine Region
The Waipara Valley is a relatively new wine region in New Zealand, with production first established in 1978. The region has made a name for itself with aromatic wines and luxurious cellar doors. The stony limestone terrain in the valley is favorable for grape growing, producing award-winning aromatics such as zesty riesling and delicate pinot gris, as well as silky pinot noir and citrusy chardonnay. The long hot summers and cool winters in Waipara provide grapes with a long ripening time, yielding grapes of exceptional quality.
Visit Waipara Valleys North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival
The North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival is a popular annual event that showcases the very best of Waipara Valley wine and food. It attracts visitors from all over New Zealand and overseas. The festival takes place during summer under the shade of old oak trees, local musicians and performers entertain the 4,000 festival lovers. Visitors to the area can also enjoy sampling some incredibly exclusive wines.
When to Visit Waipara River Estate
The Waipara wine region is the fastest-growing in New Zealand, and it is stepping out of the shadows of Marlborough and Central Otago as the home of the country's premier vineyards. The region is perfect for wine tourism throughout the year although the best time to visit the Waipara River Estate is during summer during the wine festival.
How to Get There
Waipara River Estate is conveniently located just 45 minutes north of Christchurch. Visitors can drive, cycle or take a tour bus to enjoy the valley's stunning scenery while making their way towards the estate. The scenic drive takes visitors through the lush green vines, and the incredible landscape is an experience in itself.