VINEYARDS

Belsham Awatere Estate

The Awatere Valley of Marlborough is an area with its own geological significance, as the Awatere River carved a distinct path through the valley. After centuries of natural erosion, seven distinct terraces stood resolutely above the Awatere River, creating an ideal vineyard site for Foxes Island.

Taming the unruly, overgrown land required a sensitive approach in order to preserve the natural terracing and diverse soil profiles created over the past 40,000 years. After two years of careful planning and minimal soil disturbance, John Belsham planted the first vines in 2000.

Sustainably farmed from the start, the Awatere Estate vineyard has high density plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Varietals all produced under the Foxes Island label.

Belsham Vineyard Selections

John Belsham works closely with a select group of vineyard owners who grow grapes specifically for Foxes Island and to his exacting quality requirements. This provides an opportunity for Belsham to craft exceptional wines, representing the best of a region. The sustainably produced wines are designated Belsham Vineyard Selections.