The Wine Beneath Their Wings

The Wine Beneath Their Wings

New Zealand’s First Butterfly Friendly Organisation

Yealands Family Wines has gained certification as New Zealand’s first Butterfly Friendly Organisation, by the Moths and Butterflies Trust of New Zealand (NZMBT).

Nestled into Yealands’ vast Seaview vineyard in Marlborough is ‘Butterfly Gully’ which, for several years, has been planted in over 200 swan plants to attract monarch butterflies. Over the summer months the gully which is sunny and well protected from the wind is aflutter with spectacular orange wings. While swan plants host monarch caterpillars from egg to chrysalis, the bright wild flowers between the rows of vines provide nectar for the adult butterflies.

Further along the gully stinging nettle has been planted to host the caterpillars of multi-coloured red and yellow admiral butterflies. Head groundsman James Morison has become an enthusiastic lepidopterist and has worked closely with the NZMBT to establish the butterfly friendly garden.

Peter Yealands, Founder of Yealands Family Wines believes strongly in biodiversity and understands the important role butterflies play in nature. Peter Yealands’ mantra ‘Think Boldly, Tread Lightly and never say it can’t be done’ fits perfectly with the motivation and goals of the NZMBT, as does his respect for nature. “There is something joyous about butterflies that makes our vineyard team smile. And when you learn more about them; their diversity, lifecycle and vulnerability, you can get pretty passionate about helping them survive and flourish” says Yealands.

Butterfly gully has been incorporated into Yealands’ White Road Tour, which enables visitors to drive through the vast vineyard and learn about wine-making, sustainability and biodiversity. Informational signs describe the metamorphosis of the butterflies and the plants they need.

The Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust Certification is awarded once an organisation has met and sustained a defined list of requirements.

James Morrison, Head Gardener at Yealands received the award from Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust founder Jacqui Knight at the Seaview Vineyard in February.

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