Schubert Wines

About Schubert Wines

Schubert Wines is the dynamic vision of Kai Schubert and Marion Deimling both graduates of the esteemed Viticulture and Oenology University in Geisenheim, Germany. For their love of Pinot Noir, the couple moved from Germany to New Zealand.

The beginning of Schubert Wines

Winemakers Kai and Marion were born and raised in Germany. Kai had the experience of working for the acclaimed winemaker Erni Loosen of Dr. Loosen Estate.

Whilst Marion had grown up amongst vines at Lake of Constance and had worked at wineries in the Baden region.

Kai and Marion had always dreamed of establishing their own vineyard one day. They travelled the world in pursuit of Pinot Noir with the idea of having their own vineyard and to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

In spring of 1998 they acquired a small established vineyard in Martinborough and 40 hectares of bare land in East Taratahi, just north of Martinborough, followed by plantings from scratch in 1999 and 2000.

Schubert wines: high-class Pinot Noir

The philosophy of the couple is to craft wines of uncompromising quality that would stand out alongside the finest in the world. With about 90% the majority of the production is exported to currently 36 countries.

The most well-known wines are the two Pinot Noir: Schubert Block B and Marion's Vineyard.

The Wairarapa offers an unique blend of topography, ancient geology and climate to produce world class Burgundian style Pinot Noir. This was the reason for the German couple to set up their vineyard in Martinborough where New Zealand's Pinot Noir history began with the first vines being planted in the region in 1883.

Martinborough wines have achieved international acclaim for richly flavoured, savoury, yet beautifully perfumed Pinot Noir. The Schubert journey began with the first vintage, the 2001 Pinot Noir - a gorgeous wine with texture and depth which was quickly recognized by connoisseurs and critics all around the world.

The Schubert vineyards

14 hectares of wines are closely planted in the traditional, European style and the unique climate produces low yields.

The "cool-climate" in the Wairarapa Valley is very similar to Europe's cooler wine growing regions with an additionl advantage: the long dry autumns! Precipitation is shielded by the Rimutaka and Tararua Mountains, Martinborough and its sub-region East Taratahi are the driest regions of New Zealand's North Island. The soils are formed by old river sediments; ideal conditions for Pinot Noir.

The strong winds and harsh climate causes low yields and keeps the grapes dry and healthy. The berries are very small with thicker skins too, which has a positive effect on the depth of flavours. Respect and care of the Terroir, the land where the vines are planted plays the most significant role for the production of our premium quality wines.

Schubert Wines concentrate on an ecologically, environmentally friendly vineyard management. Healthy vines need less protection hence environmental impacts are reduced to a minimum.

The Home Block surrounds the home of Kai and Marion on the famous Martinborough Terrace. Almost 2 hectares on the free draining soils with Terenikau Silt Loam over old river gravels were planted with various clones of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay and (very German) Müller-Thurgau.

The vineyard was originally planted in 1989. Some vines still are ungrafted on their own roots.

The Marion’s Vineyard is located north of Martinborough on a terrace of East Taratahi on Dakins Road. 12.5 hectares on free draining soils with Alluvial Loam over old river gravels were planted mostly in 1999 and 2000. 80% of the vineyard is with red varieties, Pinot Noir being the most important one.