Putangi – A Wine that makes you feel
An inspiring story of a true unsung hero of New Zealand’s endemic birdlife conservation.
Putangi – A Dedicated Wine
In 1894 Richard Henry arrived on Pigeon Island; Dusky Sound, a very remote and wild part of Fiordland, New Zealand, where he would remain for 14 years.
His mission was to try and save some of our rarest flightless birds; Kakapo and Kiwi from extinction. He rowed around this rugged area collecting as many as possible, transferring them to what he hoped would be the safety of Resolution Island. His dinghy was called ‘Putangi’ and this wine is dedicated to his incredible efforts.
Aptly named in honour of his favourite bird – Putangi is the Maori name for the Paradise Duck. Resolution Island is the fifth largest Island in New Zealand after the North, South, Stewart and Great Barrier islands.
Aside from the other challenges such as tourists and human behaviour, what Richard did not know is that at the closest point, Resolution Island is only 800m from the mainland. Sadly these vicious mustelid pests could swim up to 1km and eventually, 14 years later, Richard – realising he could not prevent their incursion to “his island” – left, totally dejected.
The difficulty in doing all of this can’t be overestimated. The Fiordland terrain is exceedingly rugged, the coastal waters treacherous, and the weather notorious for its severity and unpredictability. So in honour of his efforts we dedicate the wine to him – and if only to take time to remember that, whenever you have had a tough day there is always Pinot!
2026 Putangi Pinot Gris
Aromatic and expressive, opening with aromas of ripe pear, stone-fruits and subtle floral notes, a nod to a bird lover’s garden in full bloom.
The palate is rich and layered with a bright acidity that brings freshness and balance. Alive with harmony like the chorus of birdsong spilling out of the rainforest and filling the spiritual skies. Everything we love about our native land; pure, uplifting and precious.
THE BEST EVER
$25.00 incl. GST
2025 Putangi Pinot Noir
Aromas of dark fruits, violets and a hint of toasted oak lead the way unfolding like a pioneer forging new ground. The palate strives forward with fruit sweetness and spice and fine-grained tannins that hold firm and determined. Carved from the land with grit and vision.
There is a lone-ranger spirit here, an unsung hero standing quietly against the odds. A remarkable achievement finishing long, persistent and deeply inspiring.
THE BEST EVER
$38.00 incl. GST