Vavasour Wines are the pioneers of the Awatere Valley. They were the first to plant in what is now regarded as one of the premium grape growing regions of Marlborough, New Zealand.
The soils here are free draining and the climate dry, warm and frost free. The area has a climate different to the rest of Marlborough and can produce wines with a unique and distinct flavour.
Each year outstanding parcels of grapes are earmarked for special attention. When the resulting wine is regarded as outstanding, it forms the small quantity of wine under the Vavasour banner.
While the fruit is the driving force in Vavasour wines, there is more focus on the structure, subtleties and complexity. The Vavasour range is designed to improve with age.
The Redwood Pass wines, also produced by Vavasour Wines, are earlier drinking styles produced from grapes grown in the Awatere Valley and the neighbouring Wairau Valley. The blending of grapes from these two distinct growing areas benefits the wine with aromatics from the Wairau Valley fruit, and mineral notes from the Awatere Valley fruit.
The Vavasour vineyard was begun in 1985 and the first vintage made in 1989. Within three years, Vavasour was collecting awards and medals in international competitions - this continues to the present. Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc 2006 was awarded the Trophy for Sauvignon Blanc in the 2007 International Wine & Spirit Competition.
