In 2020, Nockie's Palette developed Willowbell Vineyard at Queensberry. This is a region that all local wine producers are excited about.

Vineyard facts:

Region: Central Otago

Sub-region: Queensberry

Latitude: 44.8° South

Year Planted: 2020

Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir , 30% Chardonnay

Clones: PN: 5, 115, 828, 777, Abel; CH: 548, B95, Mendoza, UCD 15

Size: 4.90HA

Planted Area: 4.05HA

Vines per HA: 5,000

Soil Type: Dark and friable pigburn soils on top of deep and fine gravels with some clay

Planting Standard: SWNZ-certified

General Climate: Semi-continental climate with southern-west glacial winds

Nestled in Central Otago's Queensberry, an exceptional terroir thrives, renowned for its superb Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

Click to enlarge the map

The secret of this sub-region lies in the unique pigburn soils formed by glacial activity during the ice age, creating an ideal foundation for grape cultivation. These soils possess a diverse and complex composition, nurturing vine growth and grape production.

Situated within Central Otago offers further advantages to Queensberry's winemaking success. The surrounding hills and mountains create a protective microclimate, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop concentrated flavours. Temperature variations, abundant sunlight, and cool nights contribute to the wines' exceptional balance and distinctive flavour profiles.

Nanny Goat Vineyard, neighbouring the WillowBell Vineyard, stands as a notable winery in the Queensberry vicinity. Their exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays have garnered accolades and awards.

The combination of the unique pigburn soils, favourable microclimate, and expertise of Queensberry's winemakers yield some of the finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, not only in New Zealand but possibly worldwide. These wines showcase complexity, elegance, and an authentic expression of the terroir. Queensberry's reputation as a premier wine-producing region grows, attracting wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs worldwide.

Willowbell Vineyard's vines, meticulously selected by our winemaker PJ Charteris and viticulturists Tim Deaker and Jason Thomson, boast an impressive 95%+ success rate. The vines have thrived so remarkably that we achieved our first harvest in 2023, a mere three years after planting.

In the breathtaking landscapes of Queensberry, where nature harmonises with winemaking, a remarkable wine experience awaits those seeking the finest expressions of Central Otago's terroir.