Walnut Block is the creation of brothers Clyde and Nigel Sowman, who set out to craft wines that reflect their combined experience and passion. Located in the renowned Wairau Valley, the winery takes its name from a landmark walnut tree standing within the vineyard. The 42-acre property sits on the valley’s dry, ancient riverbed, an ideal site for growing exceptional wines, particularly intense, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc.

At Walnut Block, the belief that great wine starts in the vineyard is at the heart of everything they do. Meticulous, labor-intensive vineyard practices ensure consistently high-quality fruit, while traditional winemaking techniques preserve delicate flavors, resulting in expressive, well-balanced wines. The grapes come from their own estate vineyard and carefully managed adjacent sites, all farmed under their direct control for over a decade. The vineyard’s diverse soils, ranging from shallow stony ground to alluvial sand and clay, add layers of complexity to Walnut Block’s wines.

Since 2002, Nigel has been a leading advocate of organic viticulture, dedicated to growing exceptional fruit using only organic practices. He also serves as the viticulturist for Dog Point, one of New Zealand’s top producers, further cementing his expertise in the region’s terroir. The decision to farm organically stems from the belief that organic methods produce higher-quality grapes than conventional farming. Over time, the vines have become more self-sufficient and naturally balanced, leading to deeper flavors and improved mouthfeel. Their ability to adapt to seasonal variations results in consistently healthy, well-balanced grapes, year after year.