At the confluence of the Wairau and Waihopai Rivers lies the Reed Vineyard, a site defined by quiet conviction and deep roots. While much of Marlborough raced toward Sauvignon Blanc, Pete and Anne Reed chose a different path. In 2000, they planted Chardonnay and never looked back.
Their loyalty to the variety has paid off. Today, the Reeds are regarded as formidable Chardonnay growers, producing fruit of exceptional quality and character. Their vineyard, nestled in a naturally dry microclimate, is the source of our Blank Canvas Reed Vineyard Chardonnay. This is a wine that reflects both the land and the people who tend it.
Key Facts
Subregion: Central Wairau
Valley: Confluence of the Wairau and Waihopai rivers
Region: Marlborough
Grows: Chardonnay
Planted: 2000
Rainfall: 700-1250mm / annum
Mean Annual GDD: 1150-1300
Soils: Gravelly loams, silts, sandy gravels
Elevation (m): 10-65 m
Hectares: 1.3 ha
Growers: Pete and Anne Reed
Viticulturist: Anne & Pete Reed
Soil & Climate
The vineyard sits on moderate-vigour clay loam soils, offering excellent water retention and vine balance. The microclimate is naturally dry, allowing for slow, even ripening and the development of fine acidity and structure, hallmarks of great Chardonnay.
Grower Philosophy
Pete and Anne live on the vineyard and tend to the vines daily. Their approach is all about detail: meticulous, hands-on, and deeply intuitive. In 2017, they top-grafted a parcel of vines to Clone 95 Chardonnay specifically for us. The vines are now well established, and their deep root systems bring complexity and depth to the fruit.
Matt has worked with the Reeds for nearly 25 years and as quick to point out, with admiration, “They even take out the laterals.” It’s a small detail, but one that speaks volumes about their care, precision, and pride.
Reed Vineyard is a testament to quiet excellence. A place where Chardonnay thrives, not by chance, but by choice.
