| Vineyard and Winemaking Philosophy
The Parker family believe great wines originate from the vineyard.
Our vineyards enjoy abundant sunshine in a temperate climate and protection from cool easterly sea breezes by the prominent limestone outcrop of Mount Cass.
Our family owned boutique vineyard is committed to sustainable wine production - without compromise, being an accredited member of the Sustainable Winegrowers programme of New Zealand Wine Growers.
For the Mount Cass brand yields are strictly controlled to prevent overcropping of vines, where we deliberately focus on low yields to enhance fruit character. The wines are carefully handcrafted from vine to your glass from some of oldest vines in the Waipara Valley.
We also produce and market another generic brand namely "Hanmer Junction". This brand embraces the association the region has with the tourist destination of Hanmer Springs located in the Hurunui District Council area. The wines are available domestically and are handled by some of our International agents. To obtain more information about these wines please refer to the contact page to locate your nearest agency.
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Harvest 2010 brief - Chris Parker
October- Bud burst two weeks later than usual. Frosts were an issue this season, but having protection via Wind generating machines assisted in preventing damage to tender shoots.
November- Little rain, minimal frost damage, shoot development well on its way
December- Good flowering on all varietals. Incredibly dry.
January - Outstanding weather up to 39°C on several days, dry, berry set fantastic.
February - Coldest February in along time, lots of drizzle, maturation slowed down thus hang time expected to be delayed.
March- Stunning weather, hot dry days, and cold dry nights, no botrytis risk as rains days were few and far between. Seed tannins across all cultivars more developed than usual and looks like it will be a fantastic harvest.
April - due to late bud burst and late flowering harvest was delayed this year. The weather during April stayed dry with only one or two days with any rain. Very warm autumn allowing grapes to hang longer than in past four years. Some grapes were hung through May to determine if these is a profitable market for Late Harvest types.
June - start the cycle again with pruning.
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Greening of Waipara
Mount Cass Vineyard was one of the first three vineyards in the Waipara Valley to undertake a project whereby we planted native trees in blocks on the vineyard to encourage beneficial insects, birds and lizards, back into the environment, reducing the need to use pesticides to control insect pests like leaf roller.
There has recently been a spontaneous local enthusiasm to do something truly special for the landscape - something that will recognise the history of the land and build a regional identity and commitment to a true ‘clean-green New Zealand’.
For more information on this project please go the link provided www.lincoln.ac.nz/story13772
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| Planting natives by the pond |
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