About us
Richard & Di needed an excuse to escape the rigours of Sydney and return to where their hearts always lay - Central Otago.
So in 2003 they planted 15000 vines into the free draining wind-blown loess soils at this stunning site half way between Wanaka and Cromwell on SH6, with the spectacular St Bathans Range forming an impressive backdrop.
Four years later in 2007 they produced their first vintage. As the vines mature so does the understanding of what the terroir is capable of. Two Degrees pinot noir has gone from strength to strength, and as of 2020 the wine has won multiple gold & silver medals in New Zealand as well as three trophies at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards for the best pinot noir in show.
Why Two Degrees?
It is the gentle 2˚ slope that encourages the frosts to drift down toward the Clutha River, a subtle feature of the land that plays a quiet yet crucial role in shaping the character of this place. It evokes memories of crisp autumn nights, balanced so beautifully by warm, sun-drenched days—conditions that create the ideal diurnal range essential for cultivating exceptional Pinot Noir. The name also speaks to the uniquely close-knit nature of New Zealand, where the proverbial six degrees of separation often feel more like two.
Most importantly, it stands as a tribute to our daughter Anna and her dear friends Andrew and Lisa, who tragically lost their lives together on the Treble Cone access road in 2004. They had always urged us to choose a "quirky" name for the vineyard, and in honoring their memory, we hope to reflect both their spirit and the profound connections that bind us all.
Two Degrees
has the right ingredients
Situated at an elevation of 264 meters, the vineyard rests on a gentle slope with free-draining, bony soils that provide an ideal foundation for viticulture. The site consistently achieves the requisite grower degree days—around 1000—necessary for optimal ripening, while the pronounced diurnal range, with hot days followed by cool nights, enhances the development of complex flavours and balanced acidity in the fruit. The long, warm, dry, and remarkably still autumns, combined with the elevation and a resilient canopy, allow the grapes to remain on the vine well beyond the norm, encouraging depth and character in the resulting wines. Low humidity and minimal rainfall further contribute to the health and integrity of the crop. And as for the view—it's nothing short of breathtaking, like stepping into the pages of National Geographic. Truly, it is a spectacular place to work, where nature and craft come together in extraordinary harmony.