Vineyard and Cellar News
Our 2008 vintages of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris are now available!
Please note that all wines are available in limited quantities only
Click here for Wine information & Tasting Notes
Ask for our wines at the following select cafes and restaurants:
Mapua: The Mutton Bird Cafe Coastal Highway: The Playhouse Cafe & Theatre Restaurant Richmond: Bouterey’s Nelson: The Boatshed Cafe, Hopgoods, Cafe Affair & Anchor Bar and Grill, Golden Bay: The Paddlecrab Kitchen, extreme top of the south @ Farewell Spit!
Cellar Door
Our Cellar Door is now open for wine sales by prior appointment only. Please call us on 03 540 3938 for a personal tasting of RBV wines. You can also call or e mail us for delivery straight to your door.
This Unique Terroir
Ruby Bay Vineyard was established in 2002 with the sole aim of making a range of Single Vineyard wines that would be a true expression of their soils. After searching country wide for the perfect vineyard location, Nelson’s maritime climate, complemented by the highest number of sunshine hours in the country, proved irresistible. The 25 acre coastal block was ideal, comprising three gently rolling ridges, north facing aspect and rich Moutere clay soils – with the added bonus of wonderful sea and mountain views!
Some four years and 12,000 vines later, varietals Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling now bask under the hot Nelson sunshine. Much hard work and patience finally came to fruition with the first small vintages in 2006.
Nelson region’s natural resources are bountiful and the dense Moutere clay soils in particular, are capable of producing intensely powerful fruit flavours, adding weight and mouthfeel to the wines. Using grapes exclusively from this single vineyard, we strive to produce a range of premium wines with intensity of flavour, that are well balanced, whilst reflecting our unique maritime microclimate. Each vine is hand planted, then nurtured with individual attention, ably assisted by Nelson’s hot summer sun and cooling sea breezes. Yields are carefully managed to ensure low cropping levels, averaging only 2 tonnes per acre. Only the best grapes are then hand harvested, reaching the winery in optimum condition, before being guided and crafted with skill, allowing the natural intensity of fruit flavours to predominate.
Using sustainable management practices, Ruby Bay Vineyard has been designated an approved vineyard by Sustainable Winegrowers New Zealand.
