Tupari Vineyard is located 30km up the Awatere River on the south bank.  The vineyard river flats are at an elevation of 150M, have a northerly aspect and are located in a gorge with the river close by. 

The thin silty loam, river-run gravels, are a harsh environment for any grape vine.  A slight northerly incline allows maximum interception of the sun’s rays during the day and the large boulders under the vines radiate the heat onto the grapes long into the cool nights.  During the hot summers the vineyard workers often swim in the nearby river to cool off at lunchtime or after work has finished in the late afternoon.

The gorge heats up on windless days, but as evening approaches a sea breeze flows up the valley and cools the air. This combination of warm days and cool nights produces wines with great flavour, intensity and balance.

Above: David Turnbull - Tupari vineyard proprietor