Alex Craighead Wines – Nelson, New Zealand
Crafted with curiosity, care, and a sense of place
A Story Rooted in Passion & Place
Alex Craighead, born in Australia and raised in New Zealand, studied wine at Lincoln University before traveling the world to work across multiple wine regions. In 2008, he met Josefina Venturino, a landscape architect from Argentina, and after several years living internationally, they returned to New Zealand.
Drawn to low-intervention winemaking, they began experimenting with zero-sulphur wines in 2013. Their first release came in 2014 in Martinborough, marking the start of what began as a hobby and soon became a full-time pursuit. In 2016, they moved to Nelson and purchased an existing organic winery and vineyard.
The Vineyards & Winemaking
The home vineyard in Upper Moutere spans 4.8 hectares and hosts 14 different varieties, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Albariño, Mtsvane, Chenin Blanc, Vermentino, Nebbiolo, Gamay Noir, and Cabernet Franc. All vineyards are managed organically, certified through Biogro New Zealand since 1998.
Winemaking practices are low-intervention, including spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts, amphora aging, extended skin contact for certain wines, and careful attention to terroir. The vineyards’ Moutere clay soils, rolling bushland, and forested surroundings contribute to the wines’ unique character.
Signature Wines
Home White – Chardonnay & Vermentino, fermented in old puncheons and aged in amphora
Home Orange – Extended maceration orange wine of Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, aged in amphora
Home Red No.1 – Short maceration co-fermentation of Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir with a splash of Pinot Gris, aged in amphora
Home Red No.2 – Short maceration co-fermentation of Cabernet Franc and Syrah, blended with 50% whole bunch fermented Pinot Noir, aged in amphora
Non-Dosage Sparkling – Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, aged in old puncheons, stainless steel, and on lees before disgorging
Aesthetic & Identity
Alex Craighead Wines reflects the care and attention given to the vineyards and winemaking. Each bottle embodies the terroir of Nelson and the family’s dedication to organic, low-intervention practices, delivering wines that are authentic, expressive, and uniquely tied to their place of origin.