The nasturtium flower is the central image on our Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange label – an original artwork created by New Zealand cyanotype artist Annemarie Hope-Cross and designer Helen Milner.
Nasturtium, a low-growing, succulent herb – or more accurately, a “cress” – can cover all means of dry corners of gardens and rocky outcrops of farms if given a chance to roam. While its reputation as a companion plant for beneficial insects and as a trap crop in gardening is largely anecdotal, there’s no doubt these plants add spectacular colour and have many culinary and medicinal uses.
Native to South and Central America, nasturtiums were introduced to Spain in the late 16th century, where they were commonly called “Indian cresses” due to their origins. Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus later classified them in the genus Tropaeolum, inspired by their resemblance to the Roman tropaeum—a trophy pole displaying a vanquished foe’s weapons and armour. The round leaves reminded him of shields, and the orange and red flowers of blood-stained helmets. The name “nasturtium,” derived from Nasturtium officinale (watercress), loosely translates to “nose twister,” probably due to the plant’s pungent, peppery aroma and its ability to twine up trees as it grows.

The flowers and leaves are edible, adding both an ornamental and delicate peppery taste to salads and stir fry. The flowers are especially high in Vitamin C and lutein (a compound absorbed by the retina), while the leaves can be used in dressings and pesto, imparting a delicate mustard flavour. The plant also has strong antibiotic properties and is even said to help cure the common cold.
While we might struggle to justify their practical use in the vineyard, nasturtiums are a valuable part of our winegrowing properties, if only for their wild roaming nature in dry corners of our vineyard, spectacular colour and subtle culinary uses.
Steve Smith MW
Founder and Estate Director
Pyramid Valley, Smith&Sheth, Lowburn Ferry
Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates.
The 2024 Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange is the fourth vintage to feature this striking new label design. For more on the current release of this wine and availability click here.