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This prime, central Wairau Valley vineyard is planted with 171 hectares of vines - nearly half in sauvignon blanc and the remainder fairly evenly split between chardonnay and pinot noir. The first 97 hectares were planted in 2001 and the balance of the planting was completed in 2002. The early sauvignon blanc plantings will supply Oyster Bay grapes for the first time with the 2004 vintage.
The vineyard, at the intersection of Highway 63 and Waihopai Valley Road, is approximately one kilometre south of the 301 hectare Oyster Bay vineyard and the close proximity allows convenient logistics in vineyard management. Fault Lake vineyard is generally flat with slight undulation and features an interesting diversity of favourable, free draining soil types. There are water rights from the Lower Waihopai Irrigation Company for the irrigation of the vineyard and an investment in water storage facilities for irrigation at times when water extraction restrictions apply. An interesting feature is the preservation and development of approximately 9 hectares of wetland around Fault Lake itself, which is the natural draining area for the vineyard and the surrounding land at the north eastern end of the vineyard block. The wetland development is a joint venture with the New Zealand Government Departments of Conservation and Fish and Game. The waterways around the lake area have been properly formed and special native grasses and shrubs planted. There is a thriving population of ducks, swans, water fowl and frogs.
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