The view from above

The Canterbury grape growing region has two sub regions - Waipara, to the north of Christchurch, and the Canterbury Plains to the west. Sandihurst Winery is located on the finges of the plains, about 20 minutes from the centre of Christchurch. As you can see the plains are a large multicoloured patchwork quilt of fields. And flowing the length of the Plains, from the mountains to the sea, are a number of big rivers. The one in the photo above is the Waimakiriri. These stoney, braided rivers have formed the basis of the soils in Cantebury with the majority of our vineyards being loam/loess covered ancient river terraces. Light free draining soils with a mineral edge - perfect for our aromatic wines.