Self-restoration
When she purchased one of the country’s oldest boutique vineyards, Dancing Water‘s Kim Schofield saw it as a chance to make wine for friends. Little did she know it would profoundly alter her life.
Dancing Water Wines, set in the heart of Waipara wine country, was full of overgrown vines that harboured a unique secret – they were New Zealand’s oldest living, ungrafted, dry-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines.
“These vines form the foundation for the most beautiful and expressive wine, which truly represents the terroir at DW and reflects the incredible limestone soil, just like in Burgundy,” Kim says.
She needed a tailored approach to sustainably manage the vineyard while preserving its uniqueness. With the help of renowned viticulturist Dr. David Jordan and a network of friends and family, Kim created a direct sales model to enhance profitability, allowing her to continue investing in vineyard restoration.
The restoration journey coincided with a personal transformation for Kim, prompting her to reassess her life priorities.
“For 30 years, I had been incessantly sprinting through life’s demands, juggling without a pause. Then, like a gentle yet insistent whisper, this opportunity made me stop and evaluate what was important to me personally and what I needed in the next chapter in my life. As my daughter Gabby embarked on her university journey, a parallel shift unfolded within me.”
“It was the start of something new – a journey that gave me a true sense of purpose and an opportunity to slow down and get a better understanding of what truly mattered to me personally.”
Passionate about art, Kim collaborated with Michelle Reid to produce the labels and with local artist Olivia Barnes to capture the vineyard and winery building.
And one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists, Wayne Youle, who also happens to live up the road, has created an art installation telling the DW story.
“Wayne created a series of visual pieces, one of which was a heart to symbolise my passion for the vineyard and a swan (based on the swans on the property) that represent my approach to making and selling wine.”
He is also assisting with the restoration of the Winery Building, which will be an art gallery with space for private tastings by appointment.
Kim’s dedication to producing wines her friends enjoy led to the creation of Dancing Water’s signature style, inspired by Burgundian wine practices.
Also unearthed were what they believe to be the only Scheurebe vines in the southern hemisphere. Civilta del Bere, an Italian astronomic and wine magazine, named them one of the top 10 Scheurebe producers.
Dancing Water’s Scheurebe Rosé is named Georgie, inspired by the varietal’s discoverer Georg Scheu and Kim’s close friend, Georgie.
“Georgie and my other girlfriends love beautiful Provence-style rosé. It is a wonderful reminder of their trips to the south of France, so we embarked on making an exceptional, serious rosé that not only tasted beautiful but also looked great.”
Dancing Water produces five exquisite blush wines: North Canterbury Pinot Noir Blanc, two rosés, Pinot Noir Rosé, and Blanc De Noir.
Kim is thrilled with her decision to make Waipara her second home and the network she has made. “I am so grateful for the support of the wonderful women in the Canterbury business community. I’m always catching up with friends, all incredible women, that I have made along the way, and at the same time, I have an enriched perspective of what the next chapter of my life will look like.”