Sitting right at the heart of our values at Pyramid Valley is nature and the natural world. This is not an ideological or evangelical approach; our reverence for nature is simply how we go about doing things. It is natural for us.
It starts from our foundations. When Mike and Claudia Weersing planted the original vines in 2000, they did so under a biodynamic philosophy. Biodynamics has continued on the Waikari vineyard to this day, and the Low Burn vineyard has been converted from conventional to biodynamic principles since 2017. Both vineyards are now fully certified BioGro organic.
“Our approach is to try to get the best expression of the site in the wines through thoughtful farming and winemaking. We believe every decision is a flavour influencer so we are very measured in our decision making, we hope you see the uniqueness of site in our wines more than our winemaking decisions.”
- Huw Kinch, Winemaker and Estate Manager
It doesn’t stop there though. A modern regenerative approach defines how we move forward. Cover crops are cared for like our vines, enhancing soil quality, sequestering carbon, and helping to retain moisture. Drones are used for most protective sprays, protecting vulnerable soil from heavy machinery and reducing amounts of even natural chemicals required for disease control. Data and technology help us to make decisions. The vines are healthier, the wines are better, and our people are happier.
Natural winegrowing follows through to a natural lens for our winemaking.
In an extremely valuable twist of fate, no commercial yeast has ever been introduced to the Pyramid Valley winery, going right back to the first wines Mike made here in 2006. The only yeast and malolactic bacteria that ferment our wines come from the ambient yeasts that exist in the winery which sits in the middle of a piece of land that has been treated biodynamically for over 25 years.
Élevage in the cellar is without sulphur for almost the entire period. There are no enzymes, synthetic nutrients fining or filtration agents. In some vintages we will use only minimal additions to ensure balance in the finished wines. Filtration is always an option, however is generally only used for the Sauvignon + and the Kererū Road Chardonnay.
This natural approach works because of three things: exceptionally clean, high-quality grapes, people who care for them deeply, and a winery that has been designed to make fine wine naturally. Hand-picking into small crates, multiple levels of grape sorting, and gentle destemming and pressing, temperature-controlled concrete tanks and oak cuves, and options for barrel fermentation and ageing at different temperatures, and a clean, pristine environment, all contribute to that outcome.
“Beyond Mother Nature, nothing has been left to chance.”
Discover more
Sustainability
Caring for the land is at the heart of what we do. See how we work with nature to protect our vineyards for generations to come.
Read more
Our Place
From the limestone and clay soils of Waikari to the wider landscapes that shape our wines, discover the places we call home.
Read more
Our story
Pyramid Valley began with a simple idea: that fine wine starts with a deep understanding of place. Follow our journey.
Read more
