Article - Poulter Family Vineyards Embrace Innovation and Sustainability in Martinborough

Poulter Family Vineyards is thrilled to announce a new chapter in our viticulture journey as we

embark on an ambitious planting project in Martinborough. Having acquired the property on

October 18th, we wasted no time in preparing the land for what promises to be an exciting venture.

With the first vines planted on November 15th, we are set to cover an expansive 150 hectares this

year.

Embracing the future of viticulture, Poulter Family Vineyards utilizes GPS systems and tractors

designed for automation. The integration of GPS technology ensures precision in our vineyard design

and mapping. This forward-thinking approach extends beyond planting and will be integral to

canopy management, vigor monitoring, and yield optimization, aligning with our commitment to

sustainability.

Ben Poulter, our Head of Viticulture, expresses his excitement about the unique attributes of

Martinborough’s soil and climate. Situated on the same latitude as Marlborough, Martinborough

enjoys a cool maritime climate, ideal for producing highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc. The region’s

renowned terroir imparts a distinctive character to our wines, characterized by vibrant acidity,

aromatic intensity, and varietal expression.

Planting a vineyard at this scale allows us to implement efficient and sustainable viticulture

practices. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations. Founder,

Steve Poulter takes pride in utilizing our dedicated in-house staff for all aspects of planting, ensuring

a hands-on and personalized approach to vineyard management.

In line with our commitment to sustainability, we prioritize water conservation. Significant

investments have been made in water storage infrastructure, including irrigation ponds and roof

tanks. Our innovative subsoiling techniques encourage deeper root growth, aiming to eliminate the

need for irrigation by year three.

Grass planting between rows serves a dual purpose, supporting sheep feed and mitigating soil drying

during hot, windy conditions. Collaboration with local government ensures our water usage has no

adverse impact on other water users in the region, demonstrating respect for Māori rights and

environmental entities like fish and game.

We are particularly excited about the integration of GPS technology in our vineyard management

practices. As climate change poses challenges to the viticulture industry, we believe in adopting

sustainable technologies. Geo-positioning technology enables precise identification based on three

dimensions—longitude, latitude, and elevation. Beyond vineyard design and mapping, we will use

GPS for ongoing canopy, vigor, and yield management.

At Poulter Family Vineyards, we are not just planting vines; we are sowing the seeds of innovation,

sustainability, and a bright future for Martinborough’s viticulture. Join us on this exciting journey as

we continue to push boundaries and raise a glass to the harmony of tradition and technology in

every bottle we produce.

21st November 2023