It is New Zealand's first public trial of organic grapes being grown side-by-side with conventional crop and it is happening here at Mission Estate Winery.

The two blocks totalling 16 hectares around our winery have been divided into organic and conventional blocks of pinot gris, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. The difference between the blocks is in their pest and disease control and weeding. On the organic block, the grapes are under-vine cultivated - the traditional method of weed control - instead of being treated with herbicides.

Organic winegrowers aim to cooperate with nature, working with ecological processes and using only naturally derived products, avoiding the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. The goals are healthy soils, healthy vines, premium quality wines, and a thriving landscape.

Throughout the season, over the next 3 years, the wine industry will be able to follow the project in real time through vineyard walks, the Organic Focus website as well as through regular updates from our viticulturist Caine Thompson.