Overview
This special vineyard was developed in 1995 on a beautiful site in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. With the rich backdrop of the Kaikoura Ranges and views to the Richmond Ranges, together with the more practical elements of ideal soil structure aspect, and climate. Heather and Meric Davies knew they had found their ideal site.
Views of the Kaikura Ranges in the distance
The vineyard was planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the resulting grapes sold to existing producers of Marlborough wines. Heather and Meric had a deep passion and knowledge for growing quality grapes and wanted this to be their focus, preferring to sell the fruit rather than make wine themselves. This uncluttered approach lead to very strong demand for their grapes which have in turn contributed to award-winning wines for a number of producers.
View of the Richmond Range
After much thought and discussion, Heather and Meric decided that based on the quality and demand for their grapes, they would like to see them bottled as single vineyard wines rather than as components of bigger blends. They wanted to share the rewards of this unique vineyard with others and had a strong feeling that what they had to offer was different to that of the many other Marlborough wine producers
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Releasing Butterflies at Summerhouse's launch
Understanding their own strengths and weaknesses, Heather and Meric outsourced the expertise required in order to realise this newly revised goal and produced their first wines. As is their way, they made no fanfare of releasing their first wines and just quietly sold a few cases here and there before officially celebrating their creation with family and friends.
When launching a new wine, much thought has to go into the design of the label and the look and feel of the brand. Wanting to be true to Heather and Meric’s ideals, the Summerhouse concept was developed to represent ‘freedom’ – something the Davies’ enjoy and value from their lifestyle in their beautiful and inspirational part of Marlborough.
Rather than be told what to expect from this wine, it is up to each person to derive their own interpretation from the wine’s look and feel. You are encouraged to take your own journey of discovery while the wine’s imagery inspires feelings of freedom and memories of childhood summers yet also of dreams and aspirations. Instead of a back label describing the wine, there is a poem that further contributes to the enticing feeling of freedom, relaxation and being what you want to be. The wines clearly show empathy with today’s busy lifestyle and offer a respite, a haven. By enjoying a Summerhouse wine, you are transported to that special place where you are free to be you.