Quality New Zealand wines and winemaking, Nelson New Zealand
About Rimu Grove Winery
TASTE THE TERROIR TALKING
Rimu Grove Winery was founded in 1995 in the rolling hills above the scenic Waimea Estuary. The search for the ultimate expression of terroir is reflected in the wines: a synergy of Nelson sunshine, Moutere clay gravels, maritime microclimate and the pursuit of perfection.
In the early 1900's, a complete city plan was drawn up for Bronte peninsula of Nelson, but fate determined that this would not be so. Instead, the Bronte area was planted in apple orchards and has remained this way for years.
The land is well suited for vineyards as well, with the same clay gravel soils of the surrounding Moutere Hills coupled with the moderate climate due to the proximity to the sea. Patrick and Barbara Stowe recognised this potential, purchased the land in 1995 and began to remove the existing apple trees to plant the vineyard. The winery building was completed on the site in early 2000, just in time to accommodate the inaugural Rimu Grove vintage in March 2000. What a superb way to toast the new millennium.
Rimu Grove Winery Ltd, Nelson, New ZealandPATRICK STOWE: Winemaker
Patrick's great-great-great-great grandfather had a vineyard in the Napa Valley in the 1860's so there is wine in the bloodline. Patrick's earliest childhood memories are of running through the tall mustard growing between rows of grapevines in his birthplace of Napa, California. This desire to be amongst the vines was infused at the time and has remained with him ever since. Patrick's first experience with winemaking was at age 19 in a Napa Polytechnic winemaking course. He succeeded with a Zinfandel from 80 year old vines. Patrick pursued his studies in various areas of science and graduated from California Polytechnic University (San Luis Obispo) in 1984 with a degree in Biochemistry/Microbiology.During his 15+ year career as a scientist in the biotechnology field in the San Francisco Bay area Patrick pursued his passion for winemaking by making wine annually: First with a group of six award-winning home winemakers, professional winemakers in the Napa Valley and eventually on his own. Patrick found his knowledge of microbiology and biochemistry applied to winemaking and these became the winning combination for successful results. Patrick's love for New Zealand and desire to be a professional winemaker led to the establishment of Rimu Grove Winery in 1995.
"Napa born…New Zealand made. That's what makes Rimu Grove Wines so unique and special".
Patrick Stowe: Winemaker
