Nelson Wine

Nelson Wine - Viticulture occupies scattered pockets on the alluvial loam soils of the Waimea Plains and in the folds and valleys of the beautiful hills throughout the district. Soil structure here changes to clay loams over hard clay subsoil. Mountains to the west of the region provide a rain shadow effect while coastline helps to moderate temperature extremes. Nelson excels in grape varieties that respond to cooler growing conditions; mainly Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir.