It was 1996 when we started to think about a retirement project. We live and work in Dunedin but had a lovely stone cottage on the outskirts of Alexandra, Central Otago as a weekender.

With Briar our beautiful Old English Sheep dog we walked the surrounding hills and it very soon became apparent that this was the area in which we would like to live. Sadly, Briar is no longer with us, but we do have a new boss on the vineyard - Sophie (see below).

We looked at land and were lucky enough to have first choice on a block of land in Hillview Road. In 1997 we bought seven hectares with panoramic views over the Alexandra basin and surrounding mountains. We chose this block not just for the views but the land was ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes and here our journey begins.

We were city people but had both been brought up in the country and felt we had an affinity with the land. We decided we would like to establish a vineyard and with the help of family and friends that is what we did. All tasks were new to us and we did have our favourites like running out all the wires. Evan also became very familiar with a shovel as he almost single handedly dug 10,000 holes.

Over this time we were weekenders and still we have our day jobs in Dunedin! In 1999 we planted our first Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes. It was family & friends, friendships & fun, balmy summer nights & BBQs, that helped this all to happen. Now sitting with a glass of our own wine we look at the hard work that has transformed this barren land into our beautiful piece of paradise.

To this day every weekend when we are there I say “I just love this” and now in 2011 we have finished building our new home. Did you note we didn’t say “Retirement home”. We look to a healthy future continuing to work on our vineyard producing quality wine at an affordable price.