The naming of our wine “Jonah” is a reflection of centuries ago, when whales discovered our untouched, organic island deep in the South Pacific while on their long journeys to and from the Antarctic.

 

These whale journeys brought much to our country.  Firstly, the indigenous Maori joined the whales on their migratory paths to find Aotearoa. Later, Europeans also followed the whales to discover New Zealand.

 

The area of Golden Bay (home to Waiwera Estate) is a traditional area of whale resting, and one translation of “Waiwera” is “whale waters”. The Clifton area adjacent to Takaka was previously named “Waiwera”.

 

Our Brand “Jonah” pays homage to the original discovery of our brilliant terroir by whales, and later the European wine makers who arrived here ‘on the back of whales’.

 

Waiwera Estate is dedicated to paying homage to wines from all Te Waipounamu (The South Island) in particular. The original “Waiwera” location is placed a mere stone’s throw from the site where Maori and the first European visitor, Abel Tasman, opened eyes on each other – at the top of Te Waipounamu.

 

We hope “Jonah” reminds us of what brought us all here to Aotearoa in the first place (and what needs looking after into the future).

 

Jonah Pinot Gris 2020 represents our latest wine and is brought to you from a single vineyard in the incredible Bendigo region of Central Otago.