Built entirely of concrete, Gravity Winery is set into the Mahana hillside where the ‘living roof’ of native tussock and shrubs allows it to blend gently with the surrounding landscape. The unique four-level winery allows the entire winemaking process to flow effortlessly through gravity alone.
Perched atop the Moutere Hills, the winery offers breathtaking views of Tasman Bay, Nelson, and the majestic snow-capped peaks of Mt. Arthur and the Southern Alps. Here, the captivating story of Bannock Brae wines, crafted from renowned Central Otago fruit, unfolds under the meticulous gravity flow process.
The winemaking journey of Bannock Brae wines begins with the hand harvesting of grapes in the picturesque vineyards of Central Otago. As the grapes reach their optimal ripeness, skilled vineyard workers carefully select and harvest the fruit, ensuring that only the finest grapes make their way to the winery. To preserve the freshness and integrity of the grapes, refrigerated trucks transport them from the vineyards to the winery with the utmost care. This meticulous approach guarantees that the fruit arrives in pristine condition, ready to embark on its transformation into exceptional Bannock Brae wines.
Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes are gently guided to the top floor through a system of chutes and conveyors, utilizing gravity to maintain their delicate nature. The winemaking team delicately sorts and destems the grapes by hand, carefully selecting only the finest clusters.
From there, the gravity flow process takes over, as the grapes cascade to the next level into concrete tanks for fermentation. This gentle process allows for controlled maceration and fermentation, resulting in wines of remarkable complexity and balance.
Post-fermentation, and under the watchful eye of the winemakers, the wine begins its natural journey, flowing effortlessly through channels designed to harness the power of gravity, gradually making its way down to the lower levels of the winery, where they age gracefully in carefully selected barrels. This underground cellar provides the perfect environment for the wines to mature, benefiting from the stable temperatures and humidity. Gravity ensures that the wines remain undisturbed, allowing them to develop their distinctive flavours and textures over time.
At Gravity Winery, the captivating story of Bannock Brae wines unfolds under the influence of gravity. From the hand-harvested grapes, transported with care, to the gravity-guided winemaking process, each step preserves and encapsulates the essence of Central Otago. This is where passion, craftsmanship, and the power of gravity converge to create wines of exceptional quality and character.