Although Lazanou Organic Vineyards has just over 5 hectares under vineyard it boasts a variety of cultivars carefully chosen for their suitability to the microclimatic conditions and soils of the farm. Cultivars include Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah (Shiraz) and Mourvedre.

Chenin Blanc originates from the Loire Valley in France and is ideally suited to the warmer climatic conditions of Wellington. Lazanou has two vineyards under Chenin Blanc. The oldest vineyard (vineyard 1), planted in 1987, is used for our premier barrel fermented single vineyard Chenin Blanc. The other vineyard (vineyard 8) is used for our Chenin Blanc/ Chardonnay/ Viognier blend.

Chardonnay originates from north-eastern France, notably Burgundy and Champagne. It is a popular cultivar internationally. Lazanou has two Chardonnay vineyards. One is used for our premier single vineyard Chardonnay (vineyard 2) and the other for our Chenin Blanc / Chardonnay/ Viognier blend (vineyard 3).

Viognier originates from the northern Rhone region in France. It is an increasingly fashionable cultivar internationally, particularly in blends with Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Syrah. Lazanou has two Viognier vineyards (vineyard 7 & 9), grapes from which are used in our Chenin Blanc / Chardonnay/ Viognier blend.

Syrah, better known as Shiraz in South Africa and Australia, also originates from the northern Rhone region in France and is increasing in popularity internationally. Like its white counterpart (Viognier), it thrives in warmer climatic conditions such as Wellington. Lazanou has two vineyards under Syrah. One is used to produce our premier barrel matured single vineyard Syrah (vineyard 4) and the other (vineyard 5) for our northern Rhone style Syrah/ Mourvedre blend.

Mourvedre, internationally known by its French name, is of Spanish origin (monastrell). This cultivar is increasingly successful in serious southern French blends. Lazanou has one vineyard under Mourvedre (vineyard 6). Grapes from this vineyard are used to produce a northern Rhone style Syrah/ Mourvedre blend.