Mountford Estate

Located in the Waipara Valley of New Zealand, Mountford Estate is a boutique vineyard and winery established in 1991 by Buffy and Michael Eaton.

The winery is internationally renowned for producing elegant wines of distinction, quality, and interest.

Golden Mile: The unique area where the winery is located is dubbed the "Golden Mile" due to its high amount of light and heat. The predominantly marl (active limestone) soils add fine minerality to the finished wines. The winemaker for Mountford Estate is Takahiro Koyama, who is also the current owner of the winery.

North Canterbury: North Canterbury, where Mountford Estate is located, is a rich agricultural region with farm-to-table fare that caters to Christchurch weekenders. Although modern winemaking has only been going on in the region since the mid-1980s, it has grown significantly in the last 10 years. North Canterbury is one of the few winegrowing regions that has good clay/limestone soil, similar to Grand Cru Burgundy vineyards. Takahiro Koyama also believes that North Canterbury's soil is what makes it a masterpiece in the making.

What to See and Do: Mountford Estate is a great travel destination for wine lovers who want to experience the unique taste of New Zealand wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and learn about the winemaking process. The winery is located in a beautiful area with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Visitors can also explore the nearby town of Christchurch, which offers a variety of attractions and activities.

When to Go: The winery is open seven days a week from 11 am to 5 pm. However, it is always best to check their website or call ahead to confirm operating hours and availability.

How to Get There: Mountford Estate is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Christchurch. Visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to get there. Alternatively, they can opt for a guided tour that includes transportation to the winery.