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The History and Significance of Te Mata Estate
Te Mata Estate holds a rich history that traces back to its origins as part of Te Mata Station, a vast pastoral land established in 1854 by John Chambers, an English immigrant. In the early 1870s, a magnificent homestead and stables were constructed on the property, setting the foundation for what would become an iconic winemaking legacy.
Roots of Te Mata Estate
After a sojourn in France, Bernard Chambers, John Chambers' third son, envisioned planting vineyards on the sun-drenched north-facing hills near Havelock North. In 1892, Bernard cultivated vineyards on three hillside parcels of land above the homestead. He transformed the original stables into a space for fermenting and aging the inaugural Te Mata Estate Wines. Remarkably, these very same vineyards continue to be utilized by Te Mata Estate today.
A Journey of Ownership
The Chambers family relinquished the property in 1919, leading to the establishment of Te Mata Vineyards (TMV). Over the years, the estate changed hands twice until the Buck and Morris families assumed ownership in 1974. These families, pioneers of the modern interpretation of Te Mata Estate, have been instrumental in upholding the esteemed heritage of this historic New Zealand winery.
Hawke's Bay: A Winemaking Haven
Located in Hawke's Bay, Te Mata Estate enjoys a remarkable winemaking environment. This region's diverse topography, encompassing slopes, plains, and climatic variations, coupled with low humidity and abundant ultraviolet light, provides winemakers with an extensive toolkit to showcase their skills. The soils, derived from the gravels, silt, and sands deposited by Hawke's Bay's three main rivers over millennia, add to the unique character of the wines produced here.
The Te Mata Estate Legacy
Since its establishment in 1896, Te Mata Estate has been renowned for crafting high-quality wines in a classical style. The estate oversees every step of the winemaking process, from meticulous grape cultivation and pruning to expert winemaking and bottling. Over the past four decades, Te Mata Estate has gained international recognition for its exceptional range of red and white wines, including renowned labels such as Coleraine, Awatea Cabernets/Merlot, Bullnose Syrah, Alma Pinot Noir, Elston Chardonnay, Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc, and Zara Viognier.
Estate Vineyards: A Testament to Excellence
In 2012, Te Mata Estate introduced the Estate Vineyards collection, comprising six varietally-designated wines: Merlot/Cabernets, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamay Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are exclusively sourced from Te Mata Estate's own vineyards and exemplify the finest qualities of their respective grape varieties, vintages, and the Hawke's Bay terroir.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Te Mata Estate is dedicated to enhancing its performance in terms of environmental, social, and economic sustainability through its participation in the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) program. Established in 1995 under the guidance of New Zealand Winegrowers, SWNZ aims to minimize the vineyard and winery's impact on the environment while continuously monitoring and reducing the use of power, water, and fuel resources.
Te Mata Estate's vineyards were among the first to be accredited by SWNZ in 1995, and in 2005, the winery received its accreditation, being part of the initial group to achieve this distinction. Every Te Mata Estate wine proudly bears the SWNZ symbol, ensuring that from vine to bottle, the entire wine production process is rigorously audited and accredited.
Experience the Legacy of Te Mata
Discover the exceptional wines and storied history of Te Mata Estate at The Reserve Cellar. Immerse yourself in the rich flavours and timeless elegance of these acclaimed wines and experience the true essence of New Zealand winemaking excellence. Place your order today and indulge in the remarkable creations from Te Mata Estate.
