CopperLake is a small family-owned vineyard, located in the top western corner of New Zealand’s South Island.
The vineyard was planted by Sue Lindsay and Peter Jones, in 2002 - 2003, with 1300 Pinot Noir cuttings gifted by a Moutere winegrower.
His gift gave us the dream of a future as winegrowers, and then the hard work started!
Our philosophy has always been create an environmentally friendly property, with a low carbon footprint, and to use sustainable and organic farming principles as much as possible.
We wanted to produce a wine that we would feel confident to drink, knowing how the grapes were grown, and to be involved in the winemaking process.
Over the years we’ve increased the plantings of wine grapes, and created a beautiful vineyard, with a diversity of flora and fauna, that‘s in harmony with a viable winegrowing unit.
Our children and friends have all been involved in the development of the vineyard, and often get a pair of secateurs placed in their hands, shortly after arriving!
If there aren’t grapevines to tend to, there are over 150 rose bushes, and 200 olive trees, as well as coastal and wetland plantings to work on.
Both Sue and Peter have studied horticulture, with Sue specialising in landscaping at Massey University. She established the very successful landscape design business, Angelus Landscapes Ltd, 14 years ago, and continues to accept commissions.
Peter currently works fulltime in Takaka, so Sue also manages the vineyard operations, and undertakes most of the general vineyard work, with Peter helping out at weekends.
It is hard work, but it’s also a pleasure.
It’s such a beautiful environment, and we are rewarded by our dreams coming to fruition.