Felton Road
Summary
Felton Road is a boutique New Zealand wine producer with 32-34 hectares in Central Otago's Bannockburn subregion, crafting primarily Pinot Noir alongside Chardonnay and Riesling from three distinct vineyard sites with schist-based soils. Under the consistent leadership of proprietor Nigel Greening and winemaker Blair Walter since 2000, the estate has pioneered biodynamic viticulture in New Zealand while establishing a minimal-intervention approach that emphasizes indigenous yeasts, whole-cluster fermentation, and gravity-flow handling.
Heritage & Leadership
Felton Road was established in the early 1990s in the Bannockburn subregion of Central Otago, New Zealand, with the first vineyard plantings occurring in 1991-1992. The winery takes its name from the actual road where the original vineyard is located. Founded by Stewart Elms, the estate released its first commercial vintage in 1997, marking the beginning of what would become one of New Zealand's most respected wine producers.
A significant transition occurred in 2000 when Nigel Greening acquired Felton Road and became the proprietor, a position he continues to hold today. This ownership has remained stable since the acquisition, providing continuity to the estate's development and philosophy.
The winemaking team has been led by Blair Walter since the mid-1990s, making him one of the longest-serving winemakers in Central Otago. His consistent presence has been instrumental in developing the distinctive house style that has come to define Felton Road. The vineyard management is overseen by viticulturist Gareth King, who implements the estate's biodynamic farming practices.
Vineyards & Wines
Felton Road's vineyards are situated in the Bannockburn subregion of Central Otago, with approximately 32-34 hectares under vine. The estate comprises three main vineyard sites: the Elms Vineyard (the original site), Cornish Point Vineyard, and Calvert Vineyard. These sites are planted on north-facing slopes that provide optimal sun exposure in this southern hemisphere region.
The terroir is characterized by schist-based soils with varying levels of gravel, clay, and loam, contributing to the distinctive mineral character of the wines. The vineyards benefit from the rain shadow effect of the mountains, resulting in a semi-continental climate with low rainfall—conditions that prove favorable for viticulture in this southerly wine region.
Pinot Noir is the flagship variety at Felton Road and accounts for the majority of production. The estate produces several single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, including the highly regarded Block 3, Block 5, and Cornish Point bottlings, each expressing the unique characteristics of their respective sites. Chardonnay and Riesling complete the portfolio, with Riesling produced in multiple styles including dry, off-dry, and occasionally a late harvest expression. The total production is relatively small, estimated at 12,000-15,000 cases annually, allowing for meticulous attention to quality.
Philosophy & Practice
Felton Road is committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture, with all vineyards certified biodynamic by Demeter. The estate converted to full biodynamic farming in the mid-2000s, with certification following several years later. This approach reflects their dedication to environmental stewardship and the authentic expression of terroir.
In the winery, Felton Road employs minimal intervention techniques designed to preserve the character of the fruit and vineyard sites. Pinot Noir fermentation typically includes some whole clusters/stems, varying by vineyard and vintage to add complexity and structure. The winemaking team utilizes indigenous yeasts for fermentation rather than commercial strains, allowing for a more natural expression of the fruit.
The wines are generally unfined and unfiltered, particularly the Pinot Noirs, preserving maximum flavor and textural elements. The winery design incorporates gravity flow principles to minimize harsh handling of the grapes and wine. For Pinot Noir, aging typically occurs in French oak barrels, with approximately 25-30% new oak, providing subtle enhancement without overwhelming the wine's natural character.
As members of the Central Otago Winegrowers Association, Felton Road participates in regional initiatives while maintaining their distinctive approach to winegrowing. Their commitment to quality over quantity has established them as a benchmark producer not only in Central Otago but within the broader context of New Zealand wine.