At Te Mata Estate, one of the more striking sights at this time of year is the crimper in action, moving steadily between the vineyard rows behind a tractor. Rather than cutting or mulching, this specialised piece of equipment gently bends the stems of grasses and companion plants like mustard seed, tick bean, and phacelia, pressing them down without breaking them. The result is a living mat of vegetation that remains rooted, intact, and actively contributing to the vineyard ecosystem.
Unlike conventional mowing, crimping allows the plants sown between the vine rows to complete their natural life cycle. These companion species are chosen to support soil health, moisture retention, and biodiversity, and the crimper works with them rather than against them. By bending the stems instead of severing them, the plants slowly senesce in place, forming a protective layer over the soil. This cover helps reduce evaporation as the weather warms, moderates soil temperature, and creates habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms.
The retained plant material also plays a meaningful role in carbon capture. As the crimped vegetation breaks down, its biomass is returned directly to the soil, adding organic matter and improving structure over time. This process supports healthier root systems, better water infiltration, and more resilient soils — outcomes that align closely with Te Mata Estate’s long-term approach to vineyard stewardship. The vineyard floor becomes not just a managed surface, but a dynamic, living system.
While crimping is more commonly seen in parts of Europe and North America, it remains a rare sight in New Zealand vineyards. Te Mata Estate has been quietly trialling and refining this approach for around seven years, adapting the system to local conditions and learning from each season. Seeing the crimper at work each spring is a reminder that thoughtful innovation doesn’t always look dramatic — sometimes it moves slowly between the rows, bending rather than cutting, and leaving the vineyard stronger for it.
