Felton Road

Winery Profile: Felton Road

Felton Road is a world-renowned winery located in the Bannockburn sub-region of Central Otago, New Zealand. Known for its exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Riesling, the winery has become a benchmark for cool-climate winemaking and a leader in biodynamic viticulture in the Southern Hemisphere.

History

The story of Felton Road began in 1991 when retired ophthalmologist Stewart Elms recognized the potential of a north-facing slope in Bannockburn. He planted the first vines on what would become the Elms Vineyard, naming the estate after the historic road that runs through the area.

In 2000, the property was purchased by Nigel Greening, a UK marketing entrepreneur and self-proclaimed Pinot Noir enthusiast. Greening's vision and passion, combined with the winemaking expertise of Blair Walter, who has been with the winery since its first vintage in 1997, propelled Felton Road to international acclaim. Together, they made the bold decision to farm all the vineyards organically and biodynamically, a philosophy that has been central to the winery's identity ever since. The vineyards received Demeter certification in 2010.

Felton Road operates on a "domaine" model, meaning all wines are made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Their four key vineyards—Elms, Cornish Point, Calvert, and MacMuir—are all situated on unique, warm, north-facing slopes, providing the ideal conditions for their signature varieties.

Biography

  • Nigel Greening (Owner): A passionate and visionary owner who purchased Felton Road in 2000. He is known for his commitment to biodynamic viticulture and his "uncompromising passion" for producing wines that express their unique place.

  • Blair Walter (Winemaker): The founding winemaker, Walter has been with Felton Road since the beginning. He holds degrees from Lincoln University and the University of California, Davis, and has brought immense technical skill to the winery. He is celebrated for his "hands-off" approach in the cellar, allowing the unique character of each vineyard to shine through.

  • Gareth King (Viticulturist): As the viticulturist, King oversees the meticulous care of the vineyards. He and his team are responsible for the hands-on, biodynamic practices that define Felton Road's farming philosophy.

Technical Details

Felton Road's winemaking and viticultural practices are rooted in a deep respect for the land and a commitment to minimal intervention.

  • Viticulture:

    • Certified Biodynamic and Organic: All 34 hectares of vineyard are Demeter-certified biodynamic and have been farmed organically since 2002.

    • Biodiversity: The winery actively promotes a biodiverse ecosystem in its vineyards, using practices like planting cover crops and employing animals such as goats to manage vegetation.

    • Manual Labor: The vineyards are meticulously tended by hand, with practices like shoot thinning, shoot positioning, and bunch thinning to ensure optimal fruit quality.

    • Soils: The vineyards are characterized by schist and loess soils, which are key to the region's unique terroir.

  • Winemaking:

    • Gravity-Fed Winery: Felton Road utilizes a three-level, gravity-fed winery built into the hillside to minimize the use of pumps and gentle on the wine.

    • "Hands-Off" Approach: The winemaking is centered on a philosophy of minimal intervention, which includes:

      • Wild Yeast Fermentation: Fermentation is carried out using indigenous yeasts found naturally on the grapes and in the winery, contributing to a unique sense of place.

      • Whole Bunch Fermentation: In the Pinot Noir, 20-30% whole bunches are used to add complexity and structure.

      • No Fining or Filtration: The wines are not fined or filtered before bottling, preserving their natural character and texture.

      • Malolactic Fermentation: Spring malolactic fermentation is a standard practice for their Pinot Noirs.