At Mount Brown Estates, their story begins with a love for the land - a love that has been passed down through generations. From the moment Tony, Catherine and Mike discovered an abandoned vineyard in the foothills of Mount Brown to their expansion onto the fields of the old Lime Loader site in Waipara Valley, the journey has been one of passion, dedication, and sustainability.
The Mount Brown Vineyard.
Established in 2003 by Tony and his daughter Catherine and son Mike, Mount Brown Estates is more than just a winery—it's a family legacy rooted in a deep respect for the land and its bounty. As a third generation comes on board, their responsibility for the land grows, accompanied by an ever-deepening understanding of the intricate relationship between the soil, the climate, and the fruit it bears.
Tony and his daughter Catherine.
The vineyards tell a story of their own, each with its own unique history and character. From the original Mount Brown Road vineyard—a small site of just 8 hectares nestled in the foothills of Mount Brown, where our oldest Pinot Noir vines thrive—to the expansive Lime Loader vineyard, spanning 25 hectares and home to a variety of grapes including Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, our vineyards are a testament to the diversity and richness of the Waipara Valley.
The Weka Gravels vineyard, a 12-hectare site with vines grown on the banks of Weka Creek riverbed, provides shelter and warmth, making it the hottest site in the Waipara Valley. Here, old vines of Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir flourish in the infertile, stony soils, producing grapes of exceptional quality.
Spread across the Waipara Valley, the vineyards benefit from the region's long, dry summers and warm autumns, with around 600mm of rainfall per annum, mostly in the winter and spring. It's a climate perfectly suited to the production of premium wines that capture the essence of North Canterbury.
The Mount Brown Winemaker and the teams dog.
From full-bodied and luscious Pinot Gris to crisp and fragrant Sauvignon Blanc, delightfully citrusy Riesling, and intense dark cherry Pinot Noir, all Mount Brown Estates wines are estate-grown, made, and bottled. In fact, much of the winemaking process takes place within meters of the vineyard, giving them full control and ensuring the highest quality in every bottle.
In short, the wine is made right there in the vineyard—a true reflection of the land, the region, and the passion that goes into every bottle. Join them on their journey through the vineyards of North Canterbury and experience the beauty and the taste of Mount Brown Estates for yourself.