Churton
Summary
Churton is a family-owned producer in Marlborough, New Zealand, crafting Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from hillside vineyards at 200 meters elevation in the Waihopai Valley, where clay-loam soils contribute structural depth to their wines. Their artisanal approach encompasses Demeter-certified biodynamic viticulture, hand harvesting, and low-intervention winemaking techniques that yield mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc and site-specific Pinot Noir expressions distinct from conventional regional styles.
Heritage & Leadership
Churton was founded in 1997 by Sam and Mandy Weaver in Marlborough, New Zealand. The winery takes its name from Sam Weaver's family farm in England, establishing a personal connection to the founder's roots. Sam Weaver serves as the principal winemaker and viticulturist, bringing his previous experience in the wine industry to the development of the estate. Mandy Weaver contributes to the business operations side of the winery, while their son Ben Weaver has become involved in the winemaking operations in recent years.
The Weavers established their first vineyards in 1997-1998, marking the beginning of what would remain a family-owned wine producer focused on expressing the distinctive character of their Marlborough site through biodynamic viticulture. The transition to biodynamic farming practices began around 2008-2010, reflecting the family's commitment to working in harmony with their land.
Vineyards & Wines
Churton's vineyards are situated in the Waihopai Valley, a subregion of Marlborough, where they cultivate approximately 22-25 hectares of vines. Unlike many Marlborough producers who farm on the valley floor, Churton's vineyards occupy northeast-facing hillsides at an elevation of around 200 meters above sea level. This topographical distinction provides natural drainage and exposure that contributes to the character of their wines.
The vineyard soils consist primarily of clay-loam over underlying clay, adding to the site's capacity to produce wines with structure and depth. Churton focuses primarily on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, with smaller plantings of Viognier. Their Sauvignon Blanc displays a more restrained and mineral-driven profile compared to typical Marlborough expressions, reflecting both the hillside terroir and their winemaking approach. The estate produces a premium Pinot Noir selection called "Best Ends," sourced from select vineyard blocks.
Philosophy & Practice
Churton is certified biodynamic by Demeter, operating under a philosophy that emphasizes minimal intervention both in the vineyard and winery. Their viticultural practices follow biodynamic principles, treating the vineyard as an integrated, living system and working in harmony with natural cycles.
In the winery, Churton employs low-intervention techniques that minimize additives and allow for natural expression of their fruit. Their approach to Sauvignon Blanc includes some barrel fermentation, a technique that adds textural complexity and distinguishes their wines from conventional Marlborough styles. The estate practices hand harvesting across their vineyard blocks, ensuring careful selection of fruit.
The winemaking approach likely incorporates indigenous yeasts for fermentation, aligning with their minimal intervention philosophy and contributing to the distinctive character of their wines. This combination of biodynamic viticulture and thoughtful winemaking reflects Churton's commitment to producing wines that authentically express their Waihopai Valley hillside terroir.