Our Vineyards

The people involved with Rock Ferry are the heart of the company, but the vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago are its soul. So begins the story of Rock Ferry as told from the interconnected and integral parts of viticulture and terroir; where the health of the vineyard is our primary focus. To us, it’s about seeing life in the vineyards and encouraging expression of site or place of origin. Some people might even say our grapes “talk” of their heritage, so to us, it makes sense that a healthy plant will produce healthy fruit. We use organic/biodynamic techniques because it is better for the health of the earth and for the health of our vines.

The Corners Vineyard

Named after the bend in the road that follows an ancient river channel, The Corners Vineyard has 13.5 hectares under vine and is situated in the heart of Marlborough’s Wairau Plains. The soil profile is silt overlying free draining alluvial stones and gravels, typical of the Rapaura district. The grapes are organically grown and the Corners Vineyard achieved full organic certification with BioGro, New Zealand starting with the 2009 vintage. Varietals planted include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gruner Veltliner.

Trig Hill Vineyard

The name Trig Hill refers to an old survey site set up in the late 1800’s. With vineyard development starting in 2003, Trig Hill is now in full production with 19 hectares under vine. Situated in the Bendigo sub-region of Central Otago, the site is north facing and has a variety of slopes and elevations creating a range of microclimates. The soil profile consists of silt overlying clay, lime and schist fragments. Converted to an organic regime in 2009, varietals planted include Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier, Tempranillo and Nebbiolo.

Orchard Block Vineyard

The site of our Orchard Block Vineyard is so called because it was regarded as the most suitable site for orchard development in the Wairau Valley after WWII. The vineyard was purchased in 2007 and left to sit fallow for 18 months prior to its organic development from scratch. The vineyard achieved full organic certification from the 2011 vintage and is planted in Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc on 9.5 hectares of prime vineyard land. The soil profile is alluvial silts with stone ridges.