In 1992, Gary and Valley Neale returned home from working overseas, determined to contribute to the growing reputation of New Zealand wines around the world.

"We are not a slice of Tuscany or Provence. We are Nelson, New Zealand, and proud of it," says Gary.

Settling in Nelson, they began growing grapes the following year, and produced their first wines under the Brightwater Vineyards label for the 1999 vintage.

Today, they are proud to be recognised as one of Nelson's premiere boutique winemakers.

The Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir and Merlot wines produced by the Neale's family-owned vineyard have since enjoyed huge success and received recognition from top wine writers around the world.  "Nelson is a fantastic place to live and make wine, and the rest of the world is starting to realise it".  "We want to share our passion and enthusiasm for fine wine through our wine-making," says Valley." In each bottle there is a message. A statement celebrating the joy of good living in a great environment."

A Unique Terroir

The Nelson region of New Zealand, with its long sunshine hours, verdant hills and glistening seas, is an unspoiled paradise. Its climate and landscape have drawn people from all over the world who value the good things in life.

At Brightwater Vineyards we strive to produce wines that reflect this sense of place. Wines that reveal the natural bounty of the Nelson region. Wines that reflect the commitment and traditions of the people who live in this corner of the world.

Our vineyards are located on an ancient river terrace near the village of Brightwater, which is ideally suited to viticulture with its sunny aspect and free-draining alluvial gravels.

Nelson's temperate, maritime climate also has a strong influence on the wines we produce. High sunshine hours and the cool, clear skies of autumn provide a slow ripening period that helps retain the vibrant varietal flavours that make our wine so distinctive.

This mix of climate and soil is enhanced by our commitment to working sustainably with the land. Using sensitive viticultural practices, we allow the true character of the region to be captured in the grapes. This is expressed in the full fruitiness, minerality, texture and complexity present in every glass of Brightwater Vineyards wine.

Finally, our winery, built in 2003, is designed to allow our winemakers to be as gentle as possible in handling the grapes and wine at all stages. Producing less than 10,000 cases of wine annually, we combining traditional techniques with state-of-the art equipment from Europe.

Nelson   Region

Very sunny region producing ripe, aromatic, flavourful Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc dashed with freshness and cool attitude.