Vic Tutton, Lindsay Hill, Paul Tutton and his partner Olga Sienko formed the Tutton Sienko & Hill family partnership together after purchasing a barren run out sheep farm in North Canterbury. The family had been making trips to potential vineyard locations – digging soil samples, checking climate records and researching which locations might work.  Our search was based on family grain growing and milling experience in North Canterbury. The upstream, south bank of the Waipara River (Rampaddock Road area), we identified as an ideal location. When we first found ourselves there, Lindsay thought no one would be willing to sell such amazing river flats, however one week later this unique property was listed for sale – having been deemed too tough to dry land farm after successive years of drought. Local farmers found much entertainment in a family of “townies” planting a vineyard in Waipara but they didn’t realise it was not a phase, rather the continued growth of a relatively fresh industry in the region. After purchasing the property and receiving an older original land title the family found that great great uncle Alfred Tutton had previously farmed the property making Vic and Paul the unaware 2nd generation of family on this land. 

This harsh climate coupled with mature vine age means that our vineyard produces low volume, intensely concentrated, premium quality fruit perfectly suited to boutique wine production. It’s hard work growing and making wine here, but the results provide immense satisfaction that we all seek in viticulture and winemaking. 

The Boneline harvests only fruit from our own family vineyard. We grow and make everything here on The Boneline site.  We are extremely involved and fortunate in having full control of every aspect that contributes to what’s in the bottle – apart from the weather!