The wind-sculptured shapes of the Macrocarpas on the skyline inspired the name Bentwood. However, their twisted shapes belie the gentleness of the valley below.
Bentwood vineyard is couched in a western valley of Banks Peninsula in Canterbury New Zealand. It has a favourable microclimate that benefits viticulture. It shares the general climatic characteristics of the Canterbury winegrowing region but excels at the ones that make truely fine wine. The valley enjoys the best of everything a vineyard should have: clean soils, clean water, clean sunlight and clean air.
Bentwood was established by the Watson family in 1992 after they had spent a year in Bordeaux to experience life around grape growing and wine making. They came back to Canterbury not to transplant or mimic European or other New Zealand regions, but rather to adapt their new found knowledge in ways that benefitn the unique attributes of the north facing Banks Peninsula slopes.
Wine maker Grant Whelan of Kaituna Valley has been reponsible for making some truely remarkable award winning wines over the past decade, with plenty more to come!
For further information or to place an order contact Ray Watson.
Phone 03 3296 191, Fax 03 3296 192 or email rrwatson@xtra.co.nz
Bentwood Matai
This wine is made from 100% Pinot Blanc grapes, and it is only on exceptional years that the Matai is produced. The vines are planted east t west giving a sunny and shady side to the rows and the 2006 late April harvest allowed winemaker Grant Whelan to make a separate fermentation from the sunny side only.
After maturation, the wine was aged in new french oak for 12 months and then blended with some of the shady side to give a wonderfully rich and full bodied wine, showing the true character of the Pinot Blanc grape
Awards
Gold medal International Aromatic Wine Competition
Bentwood Pinot Noir
An early drinking red. Recommended accompaniments:a rack of lamb or beef.
Along with its attractive bright purple colour, complex aromas of berryfruits, plums, toast and spicy oak can be detected. The palate has a soft, appealing texture.
This wine provides attractive drinking in its early years, or can be cellared to provide more savoury complexity.
Awards
To date this wine has been awarded 4 Bronze medals
Bentwood Pinot Blanc
An excellent alternative to Chardonnay. Recommended accompaniments; seafood, fresh green salads and rock melon.
Pinot Blanc is closely related to the noble pinot noir and chardonnay varieties.This wine has a delicious aroma of ripe pears and rock melon, with a hint of spicy oak derived from the partial fermentation in French oak barrels.The wine provides attractive drinking in its early years, or it can be cellared to provide more complexity.
Awards
To date this wine has been awarded 3 Silver, and 6 Bronze medals
Bentwood Gewurztraminer
A medium-style wine especially suited to fish, oriental and spicy dishes.
Bold aromas of lychees, grapefruit and rose petal.
This wine is lush and intense with citrus fruit flavours and has a long finish.
Awards
to date this wine has been awarded 5 Bronze medals
For further information or to place an order email Ray Watson
Ray and Helen invite you to come and stay at our Vineyard Bed and Breakfast.
The house sits on a gently rising slope facing north, and overlooks one of the vineyard blocks. Three different sunny balcony areas offer picturesque views of the surrounding Port Hills, and from one, you can watch the sun set over the southern alps, while enjoying a glass of wine at the end of the day.
The open plan style of the kitchen, dining and entertainment areas create space and allow for great interaction with our guests, but for those who wish for peace and quiet, the library room is the place to be.
Our large ground floor master guest room includes a queen size bed, ensuite with toilet and separate bath and shower, writing desk and a sliding door opening on to a small private balcony.
To cater for families, a second guest room is located in the same wing of the house, but on the upper floor, and also includes a small ensuite comprising of toilet, shower and handbasin.
For those guests wanting some exercise, we have a tennis court, a large inground feature swimming pool, and good walking areas within our 100 acre farm.
Our Continental breakfast is complimentary, but for those who wish to start the day with a cooked breakfast, we are happy to oblige for an extra charge
The location of Bentwood Vineyard Homestay is 5km from Tai Tapu village, travelling on State Highway 75 towards Akaroa, so therefore allows easy access for daytripping to Banks Peninsula, or back to Christchurch for some retail therapy. Tai Tapu village boasts wonderful cafe’s, a pristine golf course, trout fishing, a historic pub and cycling.The start of the Little River Rail Trail is only a short distance away.
We look forward to having you stay with us.
Contact details.
Ph +64 3 3296191
Fax +64 3 3296192
Mobile +64 274332207
Email rrwatson@xtra.co.nz
Note. No EFTPOS or credit card facilities available