The present winery was built in 1989 after making wines in another cellar since 1980; and is the World's Most Southern Winery- a Guinness Record! Grapes are sourced mainly from Otago vineyards; and to date Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are made. The wines are handcrafted in the true sense. All wines are single Vintage- a single year; single variety; single growing area. Grapes are crushed and pressed in old style presses and then fermented in oak vats. When the wine is finished here, it is separated from the sediment and put into French oak. From here on the wine matures, without hindrance or interference. The wine takes its own time; and is in charge- you can't make it something that it's not!

The wine talks to you- and says- "I am this and I am that!" So the secret is to discover its chosen path in life! The resulting wine is full of taste and body; and should have the oak just in behind the fruit; so as not to overtake it. Sometimes I can place the oak well back, so that the oak just reminds you it is there; and does not hit you over the head! And to further protect this, the wine is bottled without filtering or additives. Consequently the winery is one of the few places where you can get aged wines back to about 1998; so it is truly a Reserve Winery.

This handcrafted approach results in wines that have long aging prospects; and are strong, full flavored and have individual vintage character. A market for me is this individual handcrafted wine. There are many aspects to the winery. Designing labels for private wine collections; and special events such as weddings, film premiers, anniversaries and so on, has been a long running specialty.

The winery tastings are personal affairs of education made easier by the lubrication of wine! Some wine appreciation alongside the tasting is stirred by present wine trends in Otago, New Zealand and the World. Wine appreciation courses are run for Otago University; and winemaking for University Students Association. I write wine articles here and there; and go about town doing requested wine tasting for individuals; clubs, business organizations and conferences etc. And in a strange way, you can tell them about all our wonderful country down here, through a glass of wine. I'll consider anything, especially after a few glasses of Chardonnay.

Wine is fun for me; I like to keep the fun in it, after all, life is to be enjoyed. And I am always telling my students to have fun with wine. There might be a little seriousness in getting the wine into the bottle; but after this- it's strictly fun.