Ake Ake Vineyard is small family run boutique vineyard. John Clarke is the winemaker and viticulturist who is self taught along with his wife Aynsley who helps out where possible whilst raising our two young children and keeping up with administration.
Ake Ake Vineyard sits on a sunny spot just outside Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. Our 5ha vineyard, is rolling hill and the soil a complex mix of volcanic, clay, ironstone and gravel which is free draining. The climate is warm and humid. Our production target is 2000 cases. Forty percent of the vineyard is planted in Chambourcin which is in production, whilst the balance of the vineyard was recently planted, and consists of 20% Pinot Gris, 20% Temprenello and 10% Syrah from which we hope to get our first vintages this season. Estate grown fruit provides 30% of total production whilst Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Merlot grapes are grown at at a Vineyard near Kaitaia.
Chambourcin was the first to attrach attention to our winery and has set the standard for this variety in Northland Vineyards. It remains the highest profile wine in the range, closely followed by Syrah and our Chardonnay Reserve which has been a notable success. All being full flavoured, rich styles with potential bottle aging. We also produce an easy drinking Rose and a Fine Ruby style Port from our Chambourcin grapes.
On the vineyard we work as harmoniously as possible with the surroundings and ingredients of our craft. The vineyard is managed sustainably and where possible we use organic principals and produce wines which are vegetarian and vegan friendly.
We hope you enjoy our wines as much as we have enjoyed making them.
John Clarke & Aynsley Quenault
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