Neil Empson and his wife, Maria Empson, have always shared a passion for wine; so when they were looking for a new venture in winemaking it only made sense that they looked to Neil’s homeland of New Zealand, specifically the Waipara Valley. The winery, with its well-manicured grounds sit outside central Christchurch. The area is protected by the Teviotdale hills which shield the area from the wind
s off the Pacific Ocean. Instead, warm winds from the northwest create a microclimate with one of the longest growing seasons in New Zealand. Partnering with the Empsons are winemakers Brent Rawstron and Alan McCorkindale. The line is comprised of two wines. The first is a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that exemplifies the regions now famous harmony between vibrant mineral, flinty elements and rich tropical nuances. The second wine is a fruit-forward Pinot Noir from a single-vineyard located in Canterbury where the microclimate is well-suited for producing wines with balance and finesse.
