| Huia grows Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot
Gris on two vineyards. Both the Winsome (located in Riverlands) and the Winery
Blocks have been managed under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand scheme
for the first time in 2004. This scheme encourages member growers to embrace
appropriate, environmentally and economically sustainable wine grape production
methods for New Zealand conditions.
| "SWNZ is a holistic approach to grape growing….
SWNZ incorporates many features dear to the 'organic' movement (for example
by recognising the importance of soil health and incorporating strategies
to maintain it) but stops short of prohibiting man-made inputs…" |
| SWNZ Handbook |
Growers are required to self-assess using a SWNZ scorecard and are audited
each year for compliance. Huia has currently completed the self-assessment process
and now eagerly await our first audit. The self-assessment has shown that both
vineyards have scored well in all categories with an overall score that puts
us in the top three-quarters of New Zealand vineyards (when compared with 2003
national results).
In the past Huia has operated under a philosophy of scientifically based minimal
input viticulture. Joining the SWNZ scheme has formalised this arrangement and
provided us with a benchmarking system enabling us to grow fine wine sustainably.
The SWNZ scheme is currently expanding to include wineries and Huia is interested
in joining when this is developed fully. In addition, we are encouraging our
contract growers to become members of SWNZ.
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ABOUT HUIA - Sustainable Winegrowing at Huia 