My Homeland

Marlborough, New Zealand.

New Zealand

Geography: Isolated. Surrounded by the South Pacific Ocean. A maritime climate. Dramatic mountain ranges. Lush forests. Expansive valleys. Breathtakingly spectacular scenery. Atmospherically pristine.

Flora & Fauna: Because of our isolation, it’s quite unique. The level of endemism among New Zealand plants and animals is one of the highest in the world – no less our national symbol and namesake, the Kiwi. Our flightless, nocturnal bird producing disproportionately large eggs, in fact, the egg is the largest of any bird compared to body size, and the only bird in the world to have nostrils at the end of their beak!

Population: People ~5.2m. Cattle ~10m. Sheep ~26m. Kiwi ~68,000.

Pioneers: A Kiwi split the atom. A Kiwi was the first person to reach the summit of Mt Everest. New Zealand was the first place in the world to allow women to vote. And Kiwis have presented the world with ingenious things. For example; jet boat engines, jet packs, high-speed amphibious vehicles, and bungy jumping!

Our reputation as adventurers, inventors, farmers, business executives, film makers, yacht designers, software builders, and incredible sports people is downright inspiring.

Resourceful. Down-to-earth. Friendly. Open-minded. Patriotic. Proud as.

The Marlborough Region

Marlborough.

Positioned on the east coast of the top of the South Island, Marlborough is a place of great natural beauty. Many mountains, rivers, lakes and natural fjords. As well as being world famous for grape-growing, it is also known for sheep farming, aquaculture, forestry and tourism. Popular leisure activities in the region are to enjoy the great outdoors (fishing, hiking, mountain-biking, boating) and, of course, indulge in the local cuisine and wines.

Marlborough is one of the sunniest places in the world to grow-grapes, ~2400 hours of sunshine per year. Additional climatic features: ~600mm of rainfall per year. Low levels of humidity. Extreme diurnal temperatures.

Heavenly conditions for growing cool-climate grape varietals.

Sub-region:
The Southern Valleys

Hot days | Cool nights

Dense rocks | Later ripening

Sheltered from the Ocean breeze

My site.

In the unique and elemental Waihopai Valley. Discrete. Once a sheep farm. Nestled under the mountains. Hanging out on stony, free-draining river terraces. Soaking up the sunshine and the pure water running beneath.

Home to five varietals, five blocks, nine clones, numerous soil-types and micro-climates.

Classification: Single Vineyard

Intimate. Chosen. Pristine. Bespoke. Precision viticulture.

"We firmly believe the wine is made in the vineyard. Vine health and balance is paramount"

Mark | CO-FOUNDER

Vineyard features

Different blocks. Different varieties. Clonal diversity. Different micro-climates. Differing soil types. Differing vine age. Different pruning regimes. Sophisticated irrigation systems. Sustainably managed frost protection. Streams running through. Natural wetlands surround. Technology throughout. All whilst being sympathetic to the environment, and to our team…

The ultimate goal: to sustainably produce wines with balance, elegance, complexity, drinkability – and bespoke to our conditions.

It's the little things that make the difference

"We see ourselves as mere guardians of the land."

Fleur | CO-FOUNDER

Sustainability is at the forefront

Here at Little Beauty we love our country and our flora and fauna. We’re very proud that every berry, and every bottle, is made using 100% Sustainable Winegrowing techniques – and the vineyard has been awarded New Zealand’s 100% Sustainable Accreditation.