November marks two years since we took a chance on purchasing Ash Ridge Winery, and we’re so proud that we’re able to celebrate by being named Cellar Door of the Year at this year’s Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards!
It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride since we took charge. We’ve tackled the impacts of COVID-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle; we’ve been certified as an organic vineyard (one of a handful in the region); and we’ve been making big moves to experiment with producing an exciting variety of wines—wines that we’re winning (more) awards for. On top of that, we’re building a cellar door experience that’s young, fresh, and loved by all in the community. That’s our dream, and we couldn’t be happier to be named Hawke’s Bay’s Cellar Door of the Year.
As you might already know, we’re a truly local family business with three young children at home in Maraekakaho. Grape to glass, we’re run from the ground up with our roots firmly planted in Hawke’s Bay. We’re a small team, and we think our ‘all in’ approach is something pretty special to Hawke’s Bay. Not only does Leith run the place, he’s our head winemaker, grows the grapes, bottles the wine, hosts events, runs tastings, flips pizza, farms our animals… and the list continues! That’s why your support genuinely means the world to us!
Our community is at our heart, and we’re working hard to build something that we’re hugely proud of. So, whether you’re a wine connoisseur searching for a new favourite tipple, a group of friends keen for an afternoon of entertainment in the sun, or parents who want a wine and some peace while the kids enjoy pizza and play on the playground (we know what that’s like!), we’re here for you – and we want Ash Ridge to feel like home.
Our wholehearted thanks go to all of you who have supported us on our journey over the past two years. Whether you’re part of our Ash Ridge Wine Club, have come in to see us for lunch or a tasting, or have purchased a bottle or two from our cellar door shop, we couldn’t have done it without you. It was fantastic to celebrate together at our Food Truck Friday birthday celebration; let’s do it again soon.
So, what’s next for Ash Ridge? We have a huge summer planned of new release wine and events for our community. As well as that, we’re making some highly requested changes to our Wine Club… watch this space!
Ash Ridge is a labour of love, and our wines are dedicated to our family. Pop in to see us soon, and see what all the fuss is about. We’d love to have you! – Leith and Tracy
First published by Ash Ridge Wines.