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Wine of New Zealand · North Canterbury

Potager

Hand-drawn botanical illustration — the Potager mark

An expression of fresh seasonal wines

Explore the wines

An expression of fresh seasonal wines

Inspired by the enduring tradition of the French kitchen garden, Potager is a curated expression of regional character crafted by Dom Maxwell, sourced from carefully selected vineyard parcels throughout North Canterbury.

Just as a potager garden provides freshness and seasonality, so too do Potager wines. Each wine reflects a considered balance of place, season and craft. A family business creating wines to be shared.

Four Potager North Canterbury wines — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris

The place

North Canterbury seasons

Winemaker Dom Maxwell pruning vines in North Canterbury

Working to each season

North Canterbury is a region of rugged beauty with growers producing exquisite grapes from small hand-tended vineyards. Nurturing these vines with care and attention produces grapes with vibrant and clean fresh flavours, expressing the vineyards they grow in.

Rows are walked, shoots thinned, and grapes harvested during the crisp clear days of Autumn. Working to each season as a gardener does, with patience.

Underfoot

From soil to season

The real work begins below the surface. Balanced soils, intact acidity from cool nights, and fruit picked when flavour — not the calendar — says it is ready.

In the cellar we keep faith with that fruit: both natural and inoculated fermentations to suit the fruit, gentle handling, and time in oak that frames rather than covers.

How we work

The Potager ethos

The Potager garden — raised beds and a barrel planter

A clear seasonal voice

Wines are crafted by Dom Maxwell, twice winner of New Zealand winemaker of the year, who uses over 20 years’ experience to create fresh seasonal wines to share with friends. Dom works with family-owned vineyards, growers dedicated to their small patch of earth.

Pressing grapes gently gives the juice a purity then preserved with cool fermentations, expressing fresh varietal flavours. The art of giving young wines just the right amount of time maturing in the winery is where essential balance is found, providing wines that speak clearly of variety and season.

  • Fresh

    Wines are made to express fresh varietal character.

  • Season led

    Understanding each harvest has its own unique signature is vital in managing the harvest and showcasing each vintage.

  • Wines to share

    Potager at its core is all about bringing people together for shared collective experiences.

Current release

The wines

Four expressions from North Canterbury — labelled with original artwork by Ōtautahi Christchurch artist Hannah Behre.

Dom Maxwell, North Canterbury winemaker and founder of Potager

Winemaker

Dom Maxwell

Twice named NZ Winemaker of the Year

After making wine in North Canterbury for over two decades, Potager is Dom’s new family label. His philosophy on winemaking was moulded through working locally and internationally with harvests in Burgundy, Oregon and the Rheingau. Dom still prefers the quiet work, focussing on crafting beautiful wines.

For the table

These are wines to enjoy with food — for gathering and everyday generosity, made to sit beside a meal, not above it. Small batches, allocated thoughtfully.

Potager

North Canterbury · New Zealand

For allocations, trade and general enquiries.

dom@foragerwine.co.nz

Licence