Harvesting Feijoas And Community
At Lothlorien Winery, harvest time is a celebration of land and community.
Nestled in the heart of Ahuroa, Lothlorien Winery has built a reputation for crafting exceptional wine, with one special fruit at its core: the feijoa. The winery’s story began in the 1970s when a group of friends purchased the land, planting fruit trees to supply the local community with fresh produce. Thirty years later, the next generation established the winery, now fondly known as ‘those feijoa wine people.’ Today, it remains a family-run business, led by Eli, his wife Kim, and their two daughters. “Carrying on the legacy of Eli’s parents, growing organic fruit for the people, is incredibly important to us,” says Kim.
The feijoa harvest is one of the busiest times of year at Lothlorien Winery. Spanning just six to eight weeks, the short season requires teamwork to ensure the highest quality fruit for their wines. “Feijoas are the core of our products, and we’ve always focused on growing high-quality organic fruit,” says Eli.
As the winery has expanded, it has partnered with other local organic growers who share the same values, allowing Lothlorien to maintain the quality and flavour of its wines while supporting local businesses.
During harvest, the winery employs local workers and collaborates with nearby businesses, ensuring the benefits of the season are shared throughout the region. “We couldn’t do it without our team of locals. We’re all part of the same community, and it’s this local support that makes our harvest and winery such a success. For us, it’s all about community collaboration and caring for the land we work on,” Eli explains. In line with this commitment to sustainability, Lothlorien Winery ensures its entire process remains eco-friendly, maintaining its certified organic and vegan status.
Dedication to quality and innovation has also led to exciting new product launches. The first is a pure feijoa wine, already gaining attention for its fresh, vibrant flavour and dry finish, appealing to wine enthusiasts seeking a full and rich bouquet. The second is a world-first: a certified organic and vegan pure feijoa zero-alcohol wine - a perfect option for those who want to enjoy Lothlorien’s signature feijoa taste without the alcohol. Both new releases will launch at the Auckland Go Green Expo in April.
“We appreciate all who support us and look forward to the years ahead,” Eli says.
Dedicated to their craft and passionate about what they do, the team at Lothlorien Winery sees harvest time as more than just gathering fruit - it’s a reflection of their commitment to sustainability, quality, and sharing the taste of feijoa with communities across New Zealand.