Turanga Creek Vineyard won gold at the 2009 Guangdong International Wine Show
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| TURANGA CREEK: From left - Inside shop and tasting room, arriving at the cellar door, view from rear courtyard. Times photos Wayne Martin. |
During the past 12 months they have opened their cellar door on the Whitford Park Rd property and watched the vineyard’s first three vintages win multiple awards. They have also begun development of an outdoor courtyard – paved, sun-drenched and an idyllic spot for wine-tasting on a summer’s day.
Furthermore the Allen’s have gained resource consent to build an on site restaurant although that project is in their two-year plan.
In the meantime, Turanga Creek is something of an undiscovered gem. Occupying 24 hectares, of which 12 are in vines, the vineyard (and former horse stud) is not in an area normally viewed as premium wine country. However, sound vineyard practices including exemplary soil and plant management under the direction of vineyard manager Margaret Boswell has reaped rewards.
For example the vineyard’s first vintage, the 2008 Pinot Gris recently won gold at the 2009 Guangdong International Wine Show, bronze at the 2009 New Zealand International Wine Show, bronze at the 2009 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards and was the Consumers’ Choice Award at TIZwine.com.
“It is excellent drinking now but will improve with cellaring for up to three years,” Wayne says. “The 2008 Late Harvest Viognier has also done well in the medal hunt winning bronze at the 2009 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards and silver at the 2009 Bragato Wine Awards.
“Now we are looking forward to a good performance from our 2008 Lone Oak Blend a Bordeaux-style wine which takes its name from the estate’s original title. A blend of merlot, malbec, cabenet franc it will cellar for up to 10 years.”
Wayne and Mandy believe their early success is the result of a team effort. However, much of the kudos must go to winemaker Rod McDonald, who was named 2006 Winemaker of the Year, and also to Margaret whose meticulous approach in converting the vineyard to organics has been applauded.
She is hopeful Turanga Creek will be fully organic certified before the 2011 vintage and is also planning to include bio-dynamic practises. Sales and marketing manger Paula Folkard says having already made a mark in the wine world the Turanga Creek team is keen for locals to discover the vineyard’s cellar door.
“We encourage wine lovers to take the short 10-minute drive over the hills from Botany South or Howick and spend some time tasting our wines. There is no charge for tasting and visitors seem to really enjoy the rustic atmosphere of our tasting room and shop which occupies the original stables built some 80 years ago.”
And indeed the cellar door atmosphere is utterly appealing and service, exemplary. Not only can visitors purchase Turanga Creek wines and wine accessories too, they can have them gift boxed.
“Ultimately we plan to also build a winery on site and, of course, with the restaurant not that far in the future, we believe Turanga Creek won’t only be home to fantastic wines but to a superb venue which will cater to both local diners and special occasions such as weddings.”