Martinborough estate producer with Blue Rock and Eclipse vineyards and a Pinot Noir Brut Rosé.
The producer
Luna Estate is a Martinborough producer formed from the former Alana Estate and Murdoch James properties after Charlie Zheng bought them several years ago. Its named vineyards are Blue Rock, a north-facing elevated hillside site on Dry River Road, and Eclipse, in the heart of the Martinborough terrace. Luna turns everything it grows into wine in its own winery. Winemaker Joel Watson took charge of the Luna project in 2015. The Brut Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir.
Known for
Martinborough Pinot Noir sparkling wine
Notable facts
Blue Rock planting began in 1986, and some original vines remain productive.
Eclipse Vineyard planting began in 1992 with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Eclipse Vineyard is farmed using full organic practice.
Winemaker Joel Watson took charge of the Luna project in 2015.
The story
The Luna Name
Several years ago, New Zealand investor and wine enthusiast Charlie Zheng bought the properties formerly known as Alana Estate and Murdoch James. The properties were combined under the name Luna Estate after the purchase. Winemaker Joel Watson said Zheng chose the moon because it is a unifying thing, visible from anywhere on the planet. Watson's explanation was that, wherever people are, they all see the same moon. The name attached to the combined properties was Luna Estate.
From the atlas
Luna Estate
Martinborough estate producer turning estate-grown fruit into wine in its own winery.
At A Glance
Topic
Detail
Region
Martinborough, Wairarapa, New Zealand
Vineyards
Blue Rock and Eclipse
Named wine
Luna Estate Brut Rosé
Grape in named wine
Pinot Noir
Estate model
All the fruit Luna grows is turned into wine in its own winery
The Producer
Luna Estate was formerly Alana Estate and Murdoch James. New Zealand investor and wine enthusiast Charlie Zheng bought both properties several years ago. Winemaker Joel Watson took charge of the Luna project in 2015. Luna's approach uses skillfully grown fruit, minimal handling and patience, with no animal products used.
Place
Luna's vineyards occupy distinct physical settings around Martinborough. Blue Rock is a north-facing elevated hillside vineyard approximately 12 kilometres south of Martinborough on Dry River Road. Eclipse lies on Puruatanga Road in the heart of the Martinborough terrace. Blue Rock's soils are silty clay loams interspersed with ancient marine sediment, while Eclipse occupies a deep, stony former riverbank left when the Raumahaunga River changed course.
Wines
Luna Estate Brut Rosé is a Martinborough sparkling wine made from 100% Pinot Noir and carrying 12% alcohol. Brut is the dry category for sparkling wine, while rosé denotes a pink style.
Final Word
Eclipse Vineyard is farmed using full organic practice. Blue Rock is also the location of Luna's winery, where fruit from the Eclipse and Blue Rock vineyards is processed.