Nelson

Located on the northern tip of the South Island, Nelson sits just east of Marlborough and shares the general climate of its larger neighbor. The production of Nelson itself is small, but on the rise due to skyrocketing real estate prices in nearby Marlborough. Although Nelson contains a variety of soils and microclimates, the soils in the Upper Moutere growing region are mostly clay-based. The water retention of the clay helps the susceptible Pinot Noir grape survive during the summer months. Nelson also grows Chardonnay.