Taste of Nelson: Whenua Matua vineyards

Jonny Hiscox is rightfully very proud of his workplace, the Whenua Matua vineyards that are home to Aronui Wines. The name Whenua Matua means significant land – and significant it is. The Whenua Matua vineyard land in the Moutere Hills has special significance to iwi in the region. It is part of tenths reserve lands and can never be sold. I spent some time walking around the Upper Moutere vineyard when the vines were only a few years old and the impression I got at the time was of a special place that was being developed with sensitivity by a passionate viticulturist.