Blicks Lane Vineyards is the creation of brothers Clyde and Nigel Sowman, the duo behind Walnut Block Wines. Walnut Block has grown into a thriving, sustainable winery with three tiers: a regional line, an estate line, and a single-block line. Wanting to highlight another distinct vineyard site, they searched for a neighboring property but found none available for purchase. Instead, they secured a long-term lease on a nearby vineyard, gaining full control over its farming. They named the new project Blicks Lane after the road connecting Walnut Block Estate to this adjacent vineyard.

Like Walnut Block, Blicks Lane is farmed organically. The Sowman brothers believe organic methods produce higher-quality grapes than conventional farming. As the vines have matured, they have become more self-sufficient and naturally balanced, leading to greater depth of flavor and improved mouthfeel. This natural adaptation to seasonal changes results in consistently healthy, well-balanced grapes.

Initially focused on Sauvignon Blanc, Blicks Lane expanded its range with Pinot Noir in the 2022 vintage. The wines are classic Marlborough in style: zippy, fruit-driven Sauvignon Blanc and plush, vibrant Pinot Noir. The winemaking approach mirrors that of Walnut Block, focusing on balanced crop loads, a mix of native and inoculated fermentations, and primarily stainless steel aging, with a few barrels used for texture. The Wairau Valley’s terroir, with ancient alluvial soils shaped by an old riverbed, abundant sunshine, and a temperate New Zealand climate, shines through in every bottle.