The People
In 1981 Stephen returned to New Zealand after sailing a Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, skippering yachts in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, and working at wineries in France, California and Italy, including Chateau d’Angludet and Cantenac-Margaux under the tutelage of Peter Sichel. With the first vines in 1982, Stephen produced Stonyridge’s first vintage in 1985 and two years later the vineyard’s famous, award-winning Larose. Stephen’s success has been a source of inspiration on the island and has done an incredible job of putting Waiheke wines on the map.
The Vineyards
Stonyridge is nestled in a North-facing valley with a sunny aspect giving the ideal terroir to enable Bordeaux varieties to ripen. The six hectares of vineyards are sheltered from the south-westerly winds by a long ridge which runs from one coastline to the other and the manganese-rich clay soils are perfect for the grapes. The plantings are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller plots of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec for the left-bank Bordeaux style red wines of the range. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Viognier make a Southern Rhône blend called Pilgrim, 100% Malbec is used for the Luna Negra and Chardonnay is the white grape used on Stonyridge Luna Dorada.
The Wines
White
Stonyridge Luna Dorada 2020
Red
Stonyridge Luna Negra Hillside Malbec 2020
Stonyridge Larose 2020
Stonyridge Faithful Syrah 2020
Stonyridge Pilgrim Syrah 2019