How we got here

Walnut Block Wines is the vision of two brothers – Clyde and Nigel Sowman. In combining their experience in viticulture and the wine industry with their passion for and appreciation of fine wine, they have created a unique range of superbly crafted Marlborough wines. A boutique winery, Walnut Block offers some of the best wine buys in New Zealand.

Our team

Clyde, Helen, Nigel, and Gordon are the team behind Walnut Block Wines. We’re all passionate about our roles, whether we’re working in the vineyard, crafting fine wines, or marketing Walnut Block to customers in New Zealand and around the world.


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Our vineyard

Marlborough’s unique winegrowing conditions reflect a combination of alluvial soils, deposited over thousands of years from an ancient river bed, the region’s high sunshine hours and the temperate New Zealand climate.


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Well established family vineyard

The Sowman family first planted the vineyard in 1996, in Marlborough’s premium Rapaura sub-region. In owning the land and carefully managing the vines, they have complete control over the quality of the fruit produced. Two decades on and with the vines mature, the vineyard provides exceptional fruit capable of making wines with complexity and texture.


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Organic certification in 2013

Walnut Block vineyard was awarded certified organic status in 2013.  We choose to work organically simply because it grows better grapes – and takes care of the environment and you.

As Clyde says, “We are continually looking at ways to improve vineyard management and evolve our techniques so that the fruit we grow is of the absolute best quality.”

Luxury vineyard accommodation

Walnut Block Cottages offer superb 5-star accommodation in a secluded setting among the vines – perfect for travellers seeking a relaxing destination, for wine lovers looking for a taste of the vineyard lifestyle, and for any special occasion.