OUR PLACE

Brancott Estate has always had an eye on the future, advocating sustainability across all aspects of our business and beyond. As a founding member of New Zealand's original sustainable winegrowing initiative, we understand the importance of nurturing our region. Working in harmony with nature not only ensures the sustainability of our wine-making, but of the land itself and the life upon it.

The Marlborough Falcon Trust was established in 2009, with an aim to increase numbers of the New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea) in the Marlborough region. The Kārearea is rarer than Kiwi and is New Zealand’s most endangered bird of prey. These natural predators are an excellent resource in the vineyard, deterring other birds from damaging grape crops.

Since 2010, Brancott Estate has supported the Marlborough Falcon Trust’s efforts to protect and restore the falcon population in Marlborough by donating $1 from the sale of every bottle of Brancott Estate Living Land, our organic range of wines. Our vineyard is also home to a conservation and breeding aviary, providing a safe haven for injured and rescued native birds.

See the rare New Zealand falcon up close and in flight while enjoying a tutored tasting of Brancott Estate Living Land Series wine. Book your Living Land Falcon Encounter now.

The Kaituna wetland, on one of our vineyards, is one of the largest remaining spring-fed wetlands in Marlborough and is recognised by local government as a Significant Natural Area. Covering 9 hectares, it is home to native birds, including tui and pukeko, as well as the endemic and threatened New Zealand long-finned eels, and freshwater koura.

In 2001, our vineyard teams began regenerating the wetlands, initially developing the three main ponds and terraces, by clearing away non-native plants and replanting native wetland flora. The wetland was cleared of crack willow, hawthorn and gorse. Since then a combination of over 8000 regeneration and restoration plantings has seen the return of flax, raupo and toi toi, along with fish and insect life. The vision is to transform the area into its original natural state, including podocarp species.

Progress in the past two years includes signage highlighting the significance of the wetland to Maori and information about the plants and animal life.  Survey of aquatic life showing presence of short-finned eels, inanga and koura. Development of an annual maintenance plan with dedicated budget. Extension of the walking track to a viewing area at the top of the terrace, improving access for community groups by appointment.

In 2019, we undertook a BioBlitz to identify exactly what species are living in our wetland. More than 85 difference species were identified, including baby koura (freshwater crayfish) and aquatic mayflies – two species that live in healthy waterways.