Since Hermann Seifried and his New Zealand wife Agnes first planted grapes in the Moutere Valley near Nelson, Seifried has grown to become one of New Zealands most sustainable family-owned wineries.

With 14 vinifera varieties, on two hectares of land, they began the South Islands modern commercial wine industry. Hermann and Agnes were true pioneers, experimenting with what classical European varieties may do well in this untested climate and terroir. Today it has grown from very modest beginnings to become one of New Zealands most sustainable wineries, producing the very best Nelson has to offer. The site that Herman and Agnes chose for their new vineyards was perfect in terms of location. It is surrounded by mountains to the east, west and south (Richmond and Western Ranges) and the Tasman Sea to the north, which moderates the temperate climate throughout the year. The sunshine here was also a real drawcard, with an average of over 2,400 hours of sunshine a year, earning Nelson its reputation as the Sunshine Capital of New Zealand. 1976 was the first harvest with five distinctive varietal wines being made – Riesling, Sylvaner, Chardonnay, Mller-Thurgau and Refosco.

In 2014 Agnes and Hermann were recognised for their contribution to the New Zealand grape and wine industry by being inducted as Fellows of New Zealand Winegrowers, one of the New Zealand wine industrys greatest acknowledgements. This was the first time in its history that a husband and wife team were recognised, and the first time a woman has been honoured.

In 2016 the winery celebrated 40 years since the first harvest. The last four decades have seen significant change, with the New Zealand industry now recognised as world leading, particularly with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, but also for Syrah, Grner Veltliner and Riesling. Today Seifried farm over 250 hectares of vineyards, across nine sustainably-accredited vineyard locations scattered throughout the Nelson region, and all of their three children are actively involved in the business.

Vinification

The unirrigated Redwood Valley vineyard is situated on a gently sloping, north-facing clay site; the vines range in age from 10 to 30 years. Vertical shoot positioning helps to expose the berries to sunlight, thus getting maximum intensity and optimal ripeness.

The Brightwater vines are grown in an extremely stony area of the vineyard where water and nutrient levels are low. This helps us to restrict plant vigour and crop at low levels. The Brightwater vineyard is situated 15 km from the coast and is sheltered from the south by the Richmond ranges. The soil is a combination of rocks and boulders which is very hard on farm equipment but vital for holding the warmth of Nelsons sun and for ripening the Gewrztraminer grapes.

Tasting Notes

The Seifried Nelson Gewurztraminer has a beautifully aromatic nose with tell-tale varietal aromas of roses, Turkish delight and hints of ginger. The palate is equally flavoursome with well balanced fruit concentration and an off dry finish leaving lingering flavours.

This is great for salmon gravlax or Asian foods.