Nevis Bluff

Terroir Summary:

L’Attitude Vineyard is a 16-hectare vineyard in the Pisa subregion of Central Otago, located on a low terrace above Lake Dunstan. Its proximity to the lake helps to mitigate frosts. Central Otago is the world’s most southerly wine region and New Zealand’s highest. The vineyard benefits from high growing-degree days and free-draining Waenga loam soils. This combination of high sunshine hours, warm days, cool nights, and short hot summers creates excellent growing conditions, while dry autumns and low humidity help produce wines with purity, concentration, and complexity.

Heritage:

Nevis Bluff was founded in 1993, taking its name from the striking rock formation at the entrance to Gibbston Valley overlooking the original vineyard plantings. In 2004, the estate shifted its focus to the L’Attitude Vineyard in Pisa, recognising its more consistent conditions for producing premium Pinot Noir. This move marked a defining moment in the brand’s evolution towards a single-vineyard identity. Today, supported by Hancocks Family Merchants and led by an experienced team, the winery remains proudly New Zealand-owned, combining its pioneering roots with renewed energy and investment in quality and long-term growth. With the original Gibbston Valley vineyard still in company ownership, plans are now underway to replant vines and develop a cellar door on this historic site, reconnecting the story of Nevis Bluff with the land where it all began.

Philosophy:

Nevis Bluff’s philosophy centres on expressing the full potential of its L’Attitude Vineyard, with a clear commitment to site, season and precision. Viticulture is guided by sustainable principles under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand programme, focusing on low yields and optimal fruit quality. In the winery, a restrained, parcel-led approach prioritises minimal intervention, allowing the character of the fruit and vintage to define each wine. Careful fruit selection and thoughtful maturation build wines of purity, structure and complexity, resulting in pure, site-driven styles that retain balance, elegance and a strong sense of place.

People:

In 2024, Nevis Bluff entered an exciting new era with acclaimed winemaker Matt Connell taking over production. Immediate success followed, with his first releases receiving strong domestic and international acclaim. First planted in 2001, the vineyard was developed and continues to be managed by viticulturist Ian Cunliffe. Backed by Hancocks Family Merchants, one of New Zealand’s most respected wine distributors and Nevis Bluff founder Graham Wilkinson, the company remains proudly New Zealand and family owned. General Manager Rebecca Poynter joined the business in 2026 bringing extensive experience across winery operations in Australia and New Zealand, as well as major export markets.