-
food-drink
Purposeful Pours: Queenstown's Amisfield Winery On A Nurture First Approach
23/04/25
Author: RIISE Team
DOCUMENTED BY: RIISE
SHARE
Amisfield is perhaps one of New Zealand's most renowned wineries. Working with a deep respect for the land, they harness the evolving nature of their intense seasons and embrace the unique flavours of their terroir.
Central Otago is New Zealand's southernmost - and perhaps most scenic - wine region and is home to the dramatic mountain ranges, vast lakes and rugged landscapes you may have seen in photos. Due to its semi-continental climate, it is also home to some of the world's best pinot noir. After an afternoon tasting several of Amisfield's best wines, Sophia spoke to George, the vineyard manager and Sam, the chief winemaker, about sustainability at Amisfield.
For Amisfield, a big part of what sustainability means to them is their people. They believe people are just as important as the land and seek to ensure they are doing right by the people they work with. Generating good culture within their teams so people feel a part of what they’re doing is a determining factor in what they believe makes good wine.
They emphasise the need to create longevity for the long term for the benefit of the people, the land and the environment. According to George and Sam, it’s about taking a sustainable approach to sustainability.
Although the rugged terrain of Central Otago is magical to take in, it does mean wineries are at the will of Mother Nature and must work with her. For Amisfield as a single vineyard property, this creates
variance in the wines that are presented each year, which has been very much embraced.“That's one of the great things that we love is actually embracing that, embracing the challenge of working, showcasing and highlighting what that season has to offer. We're very passionate and very proud to be reflective of the site and of the seasons.”
Amisfield embrace the move to organic wines and believe certification is important so they are held accountable for their actions and show that they’re doing what they say they're doing. They encourage producers to begin the journey to organic wine however they acknowledge that many producers may not be able to go 100% of the way and it is important not to downplay what these producers are doing.
“If they can get 70% better at what they're doing, then that's fantastic and that's what the world needs, everyone just trying to be that little bit better."
The symbiotic relationship Amisfield has nurtured with the land and their people can be tasted in the unique, vibrant wines they produce. We can drink to that. Special thanks to Sam Davies and George Mackersy of Amisfield for their time, words and knowledge.
SHARE THIS STORY
Documented By: RIISE
© 2024 RIISE, All Rights Reserved
