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Obsidian Vineyard

Welcome

There's a well known saying among winemakers that great wines are made in the vineyard. At Obsidian, we certainly see our vineyard as one of the most important contributors to the quality of our wine.

The 17 hectare Obsidian vineyard is located in the coastal hills of the Onetangi viticultural area, close to the sea on the northern shores of Waiheke Island. Twelve vineyards are now nestled in the valley, with the renowned Stonyridge vineyard a near neighbour.

The Obsidian vineyard was planted in 1993 with the express purpose of producing a great Bordeaux-style red. With the vines planted on steep slopes creating an amphitheatre-like setting, the high heat summation, combined with advanced viticulture, enables the grapes to achieve full ripeness. The grape varieties used in the blend of Obsidian are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec (Petit Verdot will join the blend in future).

As a result of the passion, meticulous care and commitment demonstrated by our viticulturalist, Chester Nicholls and winemaker, Simon Nunns, four vintages of Obsidian have been produced. In 1999 a second label, Weeping Sands was introduced.

The yield is typically low to maximise quality and as a result about 700-1000 cases of Obsidian are produced depending on the year. The combined production including Weeping Sands is typically 1500 cases each year.
A proportion of Obsidian is destined for the export market which now includes UK, Canada, USA, Asia, Europe, and Australia. Weeping Sands is retained for the domestic market and both Obsidian and Weeping Sands feature in fine dining restaurants and lodges in the greater Auckland region as well as at selective fine wine establishments throughout New Zealand.

We are often asked how Obsidian wine came to be named after a semi-precious stone. It is known that obsidian was a prized procession of the native Maori people living in Onetangi, close to the site of the present day vineyard. Although, the stone is not found naturally on Waiheke Island, it was highly sought after for its sharp cutting qualities and glass-like structure. Obsidian is still in demand today and is recognised by its distinctive color. The deep lustrous colour of the stone is how the wine "Obsidian" is often described.

When it was time to identify a name for Obsidian's second label, the owners again drew on local history and discovered the literal translation for "Onetangi" from the Maori language to English is "Weeping Sands".
With each vintage, Obsidian has received more and more accolades and is becoming recognised as a wine with good cellaring potential. Obsidian, a classic Bordeaux style wine, with complexity partners very well with food.