Felton Road: The New Zealand Benchmark

Felton Road is mentioned alongside Burgundy Grand Crus for good reason - their biodynamic vineyards in Bannockburn produce Pinot Noir of astonishing purity. Snow-capped mountains, African Boer goats eating wild briars, solar-powered gravity-fed winery. Their tastings are intimate, personal, and free - extraordinary for wines of this caliber.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Book the Cellar Door Experience Wine · Free

   Free tours with personal attention from staff like Ingrid Hansen.

   Email visits@feltonroad.com or book online. They'll give you a gate code. Tours are often 1:1 with small groups - 45+ minutes walking through the gravity-fed facility, finishing with tastings. Astonishing value for world-class wines.

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2. 2 Compare the Three Vineyards Wine · Free

   Felton Road owns four distinct vineyards - taste the terroir differences.

   Request to compare Block 3 (most planted 1992, most structured), Block 5 (most aromatic), and Cornish Point (warmest site, most approachable). The differences are profound despite being within 2km of each other.

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3. 3 Ask About Biodynamic Practices Adventure · Free · Optional

   They've been farming biodynamically for over 20 years.

   Ask about the Boer goats that eat wild briar roses, the biodynamic preparations they make, and why they went solar-powered. Nigel Greening (owner) and Blair Walter (winemaker) have gone beyond biodynamics to explore additional sustainable practices.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Tours are free and intimate - you may have the guide to yourself

• The gate code is given when you book - makes you feel like an insider

• Dry Riesling is exceptional here too - don't just drink Pinot

• Visit in autumn (March-April) for golden vineyards against snow-capped peaks