A SLICE OF SOUTHERN FRANCE IN CENTRAL OTAGO.
In 2010 Philippa Fourbet was on the lookout for a vineyard site with all the right ingredients to produce world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in her ancestral Central Otago. Taking a leap of faith, Philippa purchased the 5.5-hectare vineyard that would become Domaine Rewa sight unseen. A credit to the proven terroir of the alluvial terraces across the Lowburn and Pisa range sub regions.
Of course as luck would have it, the vineyard was adorned with a French-styled cadole and a conveniently platform at the top of the vineyard to build The French Potter an on-site, atelier to house the growing collection of pots and kiln. For the new family of four relocating from France’s picturesque Anduze region, it was, as they say, picture perfect.
The name Rewa is a homage to Philippa’s, Granny. You’ll find Rewa’s portrait as the face of our Pinot Noir Magnums. A brilliant woman, who, like our wines aged gracefully and provided inspiration and courage to all around her.
Over the past decade, Domaine Rewa has undergone many improvements all in the pursuit of making the best possible wines from the site. With the help of viticulturist Kim Logan, and winemaker Pete Bartle, production is always increasing in line with our strict quality parameters.
Today, Domaine Rewa produces over 15,000 bottles each year, including our Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Domaine Rewa has practiced biodynamics gaining Biogro certification and now proudly farms in a sustainable organic manner. Clearly demonstrated by the free-range children occupied by the daily organic practices in the vineyard. Raised on a farm outside of Lawrence, Philippa’s parents farmed holistically and with respect to the environment and animals, so it was perfectly natural for Philippa to follow suit on her vineyard, with the next generation.
Whilst famous for it’s wine, Domaine Rewa is also well suited to bees, the faithful olive trees and an ever burgeoning orchard. Including over 20 varieties of trees and a recently planted trufferie. All this provides welcome biodiversity to the vineyard as well as enough honey and olive oil to fuel Yannick and the vineyard team as well as a shady home for our truffle dog, Napolean.
The French-styled cadole the family now call home.
One of the many Olive trees and some very important signage.
Phillippa taking shelter from the endless summer heat.
Yannick, The French Potter taking a break and helping with harvest.