Chris and Sonya Wilcock and their young family returned to New Zealand in late 2007 with a dream of producing world class but affordable wines from the Hawkes Bay. Whilst the return is recent, Ash Ridge is by no means a “new” venture, with work going on behind the scenes for many years to perfect the vineyards and wines that we are today extremely proud about.
Our History
Buying bare land on the Heretaunga plains in 2000, the Wilcock and Smith families bought into a dream that these unique soils could make some of the worlds best varietal wines. After many years planning, developing, planting and nuturing, we are proud today to have the maturing Cardoness Vineyard, producing premium Hawkes Bay Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
During the same period we also developed the five star rated Cardoness Lodge on the property, allowing our guests to enjoy a fantastic vineyard setting in supreme comfort.
The Peet Family Vineyard was founded in 2003 by Jon and Emma Peet. The vineyard is based on an ash pumice ridge of soil, and is planted in sauvignon blanc, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and malbec.
In late 2008 the Wilcock and Peet family established Ash Ridge Wines to produce a range of premium wines using fruit from our own vineyards. We now produce a range of four wines, two from each vineyard. In the middle of 2010 Jon and Emma decided to concentrate on grape growing and Ash Ridge Wines is now solely operated by Chris and Sonya Wilcock.
In January 2011 we reached another huge milestone with the opening of our new “home” in the form of our Cellar Door on our own Cardoness Vineyard. Situated in the olive orchard, completely surrounded by vineyard, and with stunning views of the Roys Hill’s and the Ruahine Ranges, this provides the perfect place for us to show you our wines and our “terrior”.
Whilst we remain at the beginning of our wine journey, with many vintages of premium wine to come, we are keen to acknowledge all of the hard work that has been made to make Ash Ridge what it is today.
Our Philosophy
Our belief is that quality wine starts in the vineyard. We aim to produce single vineyard wines that truly reflect their origin, through our hands on approach to vineyard management and the winemaking process.
