Kaipara Estate vineyard follows the European tradition with close-planted rows 1.7 metres apart, 1.2 metre vine spacing within the row, and low trellises with a narrow hedged canopy (vertical shoot positioned). Low-vigour rootstocks predominate, which after a slow establishment phase produce balanced canopies in our conditions. The site is rolling with a variety of aspects with north to north- east slopes favoured for late-maturing varieties. Here soil types tend to relate to contour and aspect of the ground, and have determined the block plantings of individual varieties. The reference soil is Houhora sandy loam, but ranges from friable leached quartz-rich sandy loams on old rolling 'dunes' to compact friable sandy-clays with layers of iron nodules in easterly and lower lying aspects. Sun exposure and drainage are enhanced on the slopes. Most areas are sheltered from cooler southerly winds, while northerly air movement is encouraged to decrease disease pressure, and dry the canopy and lightly stress the vines. The vineyard has been progressively planted from 1995, with the majority of the current production derived from 1997 or older plantings. Small scale expansion is now underway based on our early observations of wine quality.