Berridge

A chance meeting in 2000 between Napa Valley landscape architect Dick Berridge and Central Otago viticulturalist Tim Morrison Deaker led to the creation of Berridge Vineyards Estates.

Central Otago’s vineyards are the furthest south in the world. This relatively isolated region on New Zealand’s South Island was a mere footnote in wine books ten years ago. The combination of sunshine, altitude and rocky soils have lured winemakers here from all over New Zealand and the world. Cold, snowy winters give way to cool springs and short summers, restricting the list of grapes that will fully ripen in this growing region.

The top subregions of Central Otago have been quickly recognized during the development of this area. Berridge Vineyard Estates sources grapes from the Bannockburn, Gibbston Valley and Lowburn sub regions. The combination of each of these areas results in a wine of great complexity and regional identity, Drystone Pinot Noir. 

A 250-acre development is currently underway in Lowburn, with planting devoted primarily to Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

The wines of Berridge Vineyard Estates are made by Dean Shaw, one of the top winemakers in Central Otago. With winemaking experience in Burgundy and South Africa, Dean brings an impressive background of winemaking to Berridge.  Dean understands the nuances of these sub regions and makes wine that are not focused on overt oak or overripeness.

Tim (Timbo) is originally from Southland and has studied viticulture in Australia, California and throughout New Zealand. His heart lies in Central Otago, however,  and he is acknowledged as one of the top young viticulturalists of this region.

Dick originally came to New Zealand for his honeymoon, but he has now found a new passion in producing world class Pinot Noir and spends a significant amount of his time here now.