Dog Point Vineyards, Marlborough, New Zealand
Size of vineyards
100ha
The history/story of the vineyard.
Established in 2002 by Ivan and Margaret Sutherland, and James and Wendy Healy Dog Point is a small family owned label located at the confluence of the Brancott and Omaka Valleys in Marlborough, New Zealand.
The name Dog Point dates back to the earliest settlement of Marlborough and the introduction of sheep to the district. Early pioneering shepherds’ dogs either wandered off or became lost to eventually form a marauding pack that attacked the same sheep they were meant to be protecting. Over time settlers were forced to cull the dogs and the area became known as Dog Point.
Succession planning has seen the partners still actively involved in the business but has created opportunities to introduce the next generation to the business to assist in areas of viticulture, winemaking and marketing.
Viticulture
All Dog Point fruit is estate grown, low cropped and handpicked from some of Marlborough’s oldest vines. These practices ensure that fruit is picked in excellent condition and at optimum physiological ripeness.
Organic philosophies drive our approach to wine growing and the property operates under a New Zealand organic certification programme and the New Zealand Sustainable Winegrowing Programme.
Winemaking style/philosophy.
Specialist wine producers since 2002, Dog Point insists on low cropped vines and hand-picked fruit whilst adhering to an organic regime. Their philosophy is to produce regionally distinctive wines that combine both modern and traditional winemaking approaches, to produce hand crafted, high quality wines that will drink well now and age respectably.
The company produces four wines from three varieties; two Sauvignon Blanc’s, one of which is fermented and aged in barrel, a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir.