Paddy Borthwick

The Borthwick family planted almost fifty acres of Riesling, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc in the heart of Wairarapa in 1996. Winemaker Paddy Borthwick has worked with the likes of Alan Scott in New Zealand and Saintsbury in California, developing a rounded perspective about quality winemaking.  The Wairarapa region is located on the southern tip of the North Island and features growing conditions that are much more akin to the South Island, plenty of sun and rocky, well drained soils.

Their 27 hectares of vines meld easily into a landscape that is exceedingly sought after, 25 kilometres north-east of Martinborough. Warm daily temperatures, cool nights and low rainfall enhance the exceptional quality of fruit produced every vintage harvest. The handcrafted and distinctive wines which include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir are produced and bottled exclusively from estate-grown fruit and reflect the true characteristics from the region.

The peaceful surroundings of the riverside vineyard are conducive to excellent grape growing conditions. The stony, free draining alluvial soils and special micro climate allow the grapes to grow in harmony in their environment, revelling in the serenity and uniqueness of their surroundings. The renowned quality of the grapes grown here is as much in part to the terroir of the vineyard as it is the winemaking skill of founder and winemaker Paddy Borthwick.

Borthwick has accumulated an impressive array of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals following the winery’s first release in 1999.