Nelson area was first settled in 1842 when the early immigrants were attracted by sunny temperate climate for horticulture and farming. Brightwater is the home of our vineyards and is 20km from Nelson city. Brightwater township is best known as the birth place of the scientific legend, Ernest Lord Rutherford who in 1917 became the first scientist to split the atom. While it remains a beautiful and peaceful part of NZ, its reputation for producing grapes of outstanding quality is just emerging. Like the famous Marlborough region of the upper south Island, the Nelson area features perfect conditions for cool climate wines ( Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris).The grapes develop their intense flavour in long sunshine hours and cool summer nights.

The vineyards themselves are situated along the ancient river beds of the Wairoa and Wai-iti rivers feeding down from the nearby ranges that form the beginning of the Southern Alps. These snow capped mountain ranges protect the area from the worst extremes of the Southern weather patterns and are balanced by the warming effect of nearby Tasman Bay. The whole region with its pure air and clean environment has become a centre for adventure and eco tourism. The exceptional beauty of the Nelson area inspires the work of more than 350 working artists and craftspeople, amongst them contemporary Maori artists. In a nutshell…… fabulous landscapes, flamboyant art scene, fresh gourmet foods and exquisite wines….. Nelson has it all!