Mike and Claudia Elze Weersing spent 15 years searching the world to find this perfect place. In 2000, they purchased the plot of land near Waikari, that we now call home.
German-born and America-raised Claudia, was a committed biodynamicist and the guiding spirit on the land in the early years of Pyramid Valley. Mike studied oenology and viticulture in Burgundy and worked in vineyards and cellars across Europe, honing his precise vision and practice for spectacular winemaking.
Together, Mike and Claudia created remarkable wines for close to 20 years that have been recognised the world over.
Fast-forward to 2017, when good friends Steve Smith and Brian Sheth realised their long-held vision of realising a wine dream together – to craft impeccable wines and inspiring experiences they could share – by purchasing Pyramid Valley. Steve and Brian were honoured to take on the legacy of the estate and create their own family of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.
In 2018, Estate Manager and Winemaker Huw Kinch took on the role of guiding our new chapter at Pyramid Valley. After 10 years crafting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Martinborough, Huw made the move south to explore a new expression of these varieties. That same year, a new vineyard was purchased in Central Otago, the southernmost winegrowing region in New Zealand, and named Manata paying homage to a romantic Māori legend of this region.
Taking a holistic regenerative approach to farming and following natural principles in our winemaking with the use of indigenous yeasts, natural fining and minimal, if any, filtration, through our Botanicals Collection we create wines that breathe of their place and taste of nowhere else on earth.
Working with exceptional growers in Marlborough, North Canterbury and Central Otago, we also craft our Pastures and Colors Collection wines – a series of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Orange and Rosé that share the same sense of somewhereness as the wines from our own estate.
Our place
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Waikari, North Canterbury
The small town of Waikari and surrounding areas have a rich history in prehistoric New Zealand. The valleys and plains amidst the stunning limestone outcrops are home to the country’s largest hoard of moa fossils. We view our Waikari farm as an exceptional Chardonnay and compelling Pinot Noir site due toits unique and special combination of calcareous / rocky clay-limestone soils, high elevation, true cool climate expression, inland location away from the cooling sea breezes and warming easterly aspect to the vineyard site and high sunshine hours.
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Manata, Central Otago
Like Waikari, nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps in a secluded valley connected to the original course of the Mata-Au River by the Low Burn in Central Otago, the soils of our Manata farm had been first farmed over 150 years ago by goldminers for their vegetables, such was the quality of the soil and the pristine alpine waters flowing through the property. Since that time, sensitive farming had allowed the soils to build life-giving organic matter. Deep in the soil lay granules of rare paedogenic lime, creating an environment not unlike the genuine limestone of Waikari. These soils are truly special as is this secluded valley.
Our Collections
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BOTANICALS
Shop Botanicals CollectionThe pinnacle of our achievements at Pyramid Valley. Each wine is named after the meadow plant dominant in its respective vineyard block. Since their release in 2006, they have created a new dimension for fine New Zealand wine, illustrating the incredible impact of these remarkable vineyards. They are wines that truly breathe of their place.
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PASTURES
Shop Pastures CollectionOur Pyramid Valley view of the three great appellations of New Zealand’s South Island. Somewhat like the village wines of Burgundy, the collection includes a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from North Canterbury and a Pinot Noir from Central Otago. And, like Burgundy and the Loire, we celebrate single vineyard and small block parcels named after the heritage of the vineyard, culture and people.
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COLOURS
Shop Colors CollectionThe vanguard wines of Pyramid Valley - Sauvignon+, Orange and Rosé, celebrating our fine wine credentials and the natural approach to farming and winemaking, alongside the "color" of the Pyramid Valley story. They are delicious wines that reflect the spirit of Pyramid Valley: nature first, pushing the boundaries, vitality.
