Packspur Vineyard, Central Otago, New Zealand - Lowburn

Packspur - Our History

Packspur takes its name from the track that was used to pack supplies over the Pisa Range, from the Lowburn Valley to the goldfields of the dry Cardrona. Our water right for the vineyard irrigation is a miners right from 1863 and we are continuing the tradition of independence and enterprise that characterised those who worked the land before us.

The 4 ha vineyard was established in 1992 with plantings of Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. We chose the site for its north facing slopes and gravelly loams and., of course, the magnificent views of the Pisa Range, the Dunstans, the St Bathans.

With the plants getting older and better balanced we are harvesting some lovely rich fruit in all varieties but like all other winegrowers we cannot escape the vagaries and torments of the weather. Our secluded little valley escapes the worst of the nor'westers most of the time but putting nets on in a “brisk breeze” can be very character-building/ extend the vocabulary!!. However our slopes ensure that we have minimal frost risk -- a great comfort in the wee small hours.

After 6 years of ups and downs gaining experience and confidence in the vineyard we embarked on our winemaking career. In 1998 our first wine , a barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc rolled, literally!, off the press.