Combining resort-style facilities with a sophisticated and contemporary residential village, Mt Cardrona Station is the first of its kind in New Zealand

Every aspect of Mt Cardrona Station is influenced by the extraordinary landscapes of the Cardrona Valley. Drawing on this dramatic setting, the station is set to deliver rural-residential living with a distinct character and strong sense of community. Well-considered master-planning provides a range of options for permanent residential and holiday accommodation and easy access to adventures.

With plans to develop 400 lots over the next ten years, the development builds on the trailblazing tradition of the region. The Cardrona Valley has fostered a pioneering spirit for centuries, from early Māori who came through the valley searching for ‘liquid gold’ perfume oil to the 1,000 gold rush miners who made a temporary home here in the 1880s.

In more recent years, intrepid Cardrona locals have launched bold tourism ventures and expanded high-country farming. The visionary Cardrona Valley farmer and entrepreneur John Lee purchased Mt Cardrona Station in the 1970s and went on to create what is now Cardrona Alpine Resort. Continuing in this vein, Mt Cardrona Station developers Chris Morton and Andrew Spencer created new zoning and infrastructure, making it possible to share this spectacular high-country setting.

Owners at Mt Cardrona Station have preferential use of the station’s resort-style facilities. The Homestead will offer all-day, indoor-outdoor dining and workspaces and meeting rooms for remote workers. The Club Room will provide the opportunity for owners to meet up after skiing or biking, while The Adventure Centre will include gym and workout spaces, hot pools, a tennis court and a ski and bike workshop. On-site property management services ensure everything will be as it should when you arrive back at home base.

The first release neighbourhoods of Walter Little and Little Meg offer lots ranging from 350 to 810 square metres. Walter Little lots are the premium, low-density lots of the station with an elevated position and unobstructed views of the Mount Cardrona Range. The Little Meg neighbourhood offers north-facing lots and views of the Cardrona Valley and Criffel Range, with the village just a few minutes’ walk away.

Sold through Sotheby’s, these titles offer a rare opportunity to become a founding member of a unique development. Spring 2021 will see the first release of home and building packages designed exclusively by award-winning Leuschke Group Architects and built by Landmark Homes.

Design guidelines have much to draw on in this landscape so heavily influenced by its rich gold mining past and dramatic Central Otago ranges. Early miners’ cottages and farmhouses are the reference point — updated with a contemporary design ethos using the highest-quality, modern materials.

Mt Cardrona Station is positioned amongst some high calibre neighbours, including the award-winning Cardrona Distillery and the historic Cardrona Hotel. The latter is firmly established as one of the most popular garden bars in the region. Meanwhile, the boutique shops and restaurants of Wānaka are only a 20-minute drive away, and Queenstown is just a 45-minute drive over the Crown Range.

Mt Cardrona Station is positioned adjacent to Cardrona Alpine Resort and Soho Basin, making it an enviable place to call home during winter. Close by, Snow Farm offers further options for snow adventures. Within the station itself, 30 kilometres of biking and hiking trails are available to all. Whichever path you choose, all roads lead to adventure.

Design

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Creative Director Edward von Dadelszen on his secret talent, style predictions and the best advice he’s ever received

As the founder and creative director of luxury brand Dadelszen (alongside his wife, Constance), Edward von Dadelszen certainly knows more than most about living a stylish life. Widely travelled and with exceptional taste, von Dadelszen takes a moment to share what’s inspiring him right now.

My personal style can be defined as: Slightly dishevelled, tailored classicism.

The last thing I bought and loved was: I bought my wife Constance a 1972 Mercedes sl350, it is absolutely exquisite. Luckily for me, she sometimes lets me drive it.

An unforgettable place I visited was: The Damien Hirst show, Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable at the Venice Biennale in 2017.

Damien Hirst’s ‘Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable’ at the Venice Biennale.

The next place I’d like to go to is: The official opening of our new business venture… watch this space.

A classic wardrobe piece I never tire of is: The Dadelszen Athletic sweater, it really is a very good sweater.

An object I would never part with is: Probably one of our iconic vintage chairs, but I don’t want to cause the other chairs offence by singling one of them out.

On my wish list is: Level 1.

When I was younger, I wanted to be: An architect.

I am inspired by: Bravery.

The new piece I’m currently most inspired by is: Our Helena jacket; designed by Constance and our tailors in Parma in lockdown last year, it’s become a new favourite for so many of our favourite womenswear clients and is probably our best blazer ever.

Left: Dadelszen Athletic sweater. Right: Dadelszen Helena jacket.

My favourite app is: Nanit, every new parent should have this.

My guilty pleasure is: Maison Vauron.

My secret talent is: I’m a pretty adequate cook.

My favourite cultural/style icon is: Alain Delon.

The best book I’ve read in the last year is: Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami.

In my fridge you’ll always find: Kaitaia Fire hot sauce.

I recently discovered: LBC by Craggy Range, what a beautiful bottle of wine.

This spring, I predict that everyone is going to be wearing: Shades of military green.

My favourite website is: Probably 1stdibs.

If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Mark Rothko or Robert Motherwell.

Kingi flounder.

The last meal out I had that truly impressed me was: Whole flounder at Kingi, with kaffir lime leaves. It was absolutely outstanding.

The podcasts I listen to are: Sam Harris for his staggering intelligence and the Airmail weekly podcast to put a smile on my face.

The best gift I ever received was: A signed, first edition of Glamorama by Bret Easton Ellis, one of my favourite novels.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: In business, it’s great pursuing personal achievement, but nothing will fill you with pride more than growing a great team. My dear friend Dane told me this, and I’m currently in the midst of understanding how right he is.

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How to deal with stress and anxiety in the age of isolation

As we deal with self-isolation, social distancing and an onslaught of negative news, triggers for stress, anxiety and insomnia surround us. Here are some ways to seek out serenity, and a better night’s sleep.

Meditation and Mental Health Apps
Mentemia: Developed in New Zealand, with the help of Sir John Kirwan, Mentemia provides daily mindfulness tools to help you make big changes for the better over time. The tailored bite-sized approach is helpful when you can feel overwhelmed by it all. A free version of the app has been made available during our latest lockdown, which you can download here.

Insight Timer: With 35,000 meditations this app can safely call itself “the largest meditation community on earth”. You can search meditations by duration if you’re short on time and there’s a range of teachers if you find that some instructors aren’t getting you closer to Nirvana.

Smiling Mind: Developed by psychologists and educators in the US, this app is perfect for the whole family, with a selection of meditations targeted at stressed-out children. There are also meditations to help you get a good night’s sleep. 

Simple Habit: For when the attention span wanes, this app focuses on micro-meditations, steering you towards a calmer outlook in five minutes. You can enter your goals and select a themed meditation or take pot luck. 

Just Breathe
It seems so simple, but breathing correctly has been scientifically shown to help alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety and relieve insomnia. The Breath Effect has several online resources, as well as its online courses, where you can learn where your current breathing cycle is at, and how you can start breathing properly again.

Holistic Homework
Without sounding too woo woo, it helps to have a bigger picture in mind when you embark on a wellness journey. Crossing Path’s Four Weeks to Wellness programme focuses on what it considers to be the most important pillars of wellbeing — personal, social, mental and physical wellness. Within this, you can enjoy virtual yoga and pilates classes, which are tailored to each week’s theme and suitable for all abilities and skill levels. You can complete the course at your own pace with unlimited access, and enhance each week with the additional free meditations found on Crossing Path’s website.

Write it Out
Studies have shown that journaling can not only help your mental health and resilience, but it can also help with pain management and the alleviation of certain illness symptoms. Put simply, it’s no longer associated with angsty teenagers. Starting an adult gratitude journal can help you notice the wonderful little things in life — like a crackling fire or the feeling of the warm sun on your back — while noting down plans and to-do lists can help make you feel more in control, and get you back on the right page of life. Choosing a serene and sophisticated diary or notebook, like those from An Organised Life, will make each entry a delight to behold.

Plan Ahead
It’s important to have something to look forward to during uncertain times. Spring Spa and East Day Spa offer a flickering candlelight at the end of the isolation tunnel and are taking bookings for their Spring Wellbeing Experience, for when we can finally venture beyond the front door. 

The ‘immersive remedy’ begins with guided breathing before a warm scented foot bath, a full body massage with velvety avocado butter and a Codage Paris mini facial with a specialised head and neck massage. This is something you can’t do at home with the contents of your bathroom cabinet, we assure you.

If you have a loved one’s birthday or anniversary coming up, you can also take the stress out of finding a deliverable present and instead send an e-certificate for one of their beautiful bespoke experiences.  

There are times when we just might need some support. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is free help available through a variety of online tools and helplines. Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor anytime — it’s free and completely confidential.

Lockdown

This beer-battered eggplant bao recipe is guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
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Try perfecting this orecchiette recipe from the pasta masters at Pici
Rever bed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Poliform from Studio Italia

These statement bed frames prove a stylish base is your bedroom’s perfect finishing touch

We often talk about the merits of a mattress but rarely do we delve into a bed’s other most important attribute — the base on which it rests. An investment piece harnessing both form and function, a bed frame can make or break the thoughtfully curated aesthetic of your bedroom.

We don’t know about you, but we’re spending more time in our bedrooms and on our beds at the moment (the sofa is certainly getting its fair share of use, too), so it’s brought this room of rest into sharper focus than usual. From sleek to statement, we’ve put together some of the best bed frames to inspire the decor of your sleepy sanctuary.

Lawrence bed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.
Tufty bed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse.
Onda bed by Paolo Piva for Poliform from Studio Italia.
Alcova bed by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto from Matisse.
Jacqueline bed by Jean Marie Massaud for Poliform from Studio Italia.
Alys bed by Gabriele & Oscar Buratt for B&B Italia from Matisse.
Curtis bed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.
Extra soft bed by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani from Studio Italia.
Yang bed by Rodolfo Dordoni for Minotti from ECC.
Fenton bed from Tim Webber.
Husk bed by Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse.
Segno bed by Pininfarina for Reflex of Italy from Sarsfield Brooke.
Suzie Wong bed by Roberto Lazzeroni for Poltrona Frau from Studio Italia.

Design

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How financial platform The Curve has gone from strength to strength

Investing education platform for women, The Curve, was founded not even one year ago and in that time it has already built a respected reputation and following for its helpful, dynamic and multifaceted financial resources and events. It was conceived by Victoria Harris, a portfolio manager with over 10 years of experience in the investment and finance industry, who saw there was a gap in the market for an open forum where women could comfortably ask questions and learn about how to make the most of their money. Co-founded with her friend Sophie Hallwright who heads up the content side of the platform, The Curve has gone from strength to strength, starting with 30 people attending the first event and now boasting sell-out seminars for nearly 200.

The duo has also launched a successful podcast called Raising the Curve on Spotify and Apple, which has reached the number one spot for an educational podcast in New Zealand multiple times, and they have a plethora of other exciting developments in the pipeline, including online courses and workshops to help people further upskill — the next online seminar, Invest in a Better World, is all about investing in conscious companies that align with your values, and tickets are on sale now.

We’ve noticed the press and chatter around investing and being smart with money has ramped up over the last year, and Harris and Hallwright put this down to more accessible platforms like Sharesies, Hatch and Stake, which have seen a step up in people investing both in New Zealand and overseas. “Previously, investing was catered to the wealthy due to minimum balances, but now if you have $5 you can start your investing journey,” they say. “With more people investing, there is an even bigger need to ensure education is available in this space. That’s why The Curve has been so successful to date — everyone wants to learn and grow their wealth, to set their future selves up for success.”

Win a one-on-one session for you and a friend with The Curve, plus $500 each to spend at Harris Tapper (left) and dinner at Amano (right)

Since founding The Curve, Harris and Hallwright have noticed a few common questions crop up from women who are starting their investing journey — which can seem quite daunting at first. “Common questions we get asked by women are: ‘Where do I start?’, ‘Have I missed the boat?’ and ‘What should I invest in?’,” they say. “The main piece of advice we give is: open your eyes. Look around you. Investing opportunities (surprisingly) can be found almost everywhere.”

It might sound obvious, and it should be, says the duo. “‘Invest in what you know’ is a quote from one of the first investing books Vic ever read by investing guru, Peter Lynch. He was quoted saying this nearly 40 years ago, and it is still as relevant in today’s world.”

It means investing in what you understand and invest in what you use, they say. “Have you started using a new product? Or noticed a lot of people using a new service? If we look at some of the highest returning companies over the last 10 years, many of them have products or services that we use frequently — Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft — to name just a few. By using these products or services, you are researching investing ideas without even knowing it!”

We could all do with being a bit (or a lot) savvier about how we wield our finances, and for one lucky Denizen, The Curve is offering the chance to win a one-on-one workshop over dinner at Amano for you and a friend (once the alert levels indicate it is safe for us to do so) — plus $500 for you each to spend at one of the chicest New Zealand womenswear labels, Harris Tapper.

While The Curve’s group events are designed to be informative and educational to all levels of investing knowledge, a one-on-one session gives you the opportunity to ask any specific finance and investing questions you might have. Whether you are a complete beginner, or already know your stuff, Harris will be able to arm you with all the tools and skills to make better-informed investment decisions.

This competition is now closed.

Culture

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Let there be light with our Spring issue’s radiant fashion shoot

From striking colour combinations to shiny new accessories, spring fashion heralds a newfound levity and sense of intimate luxury. To mark the occasion, Denizen’s Towards the Light editorial was exclusively shot on film at The Flying Saucer— Sharjah Art Foundation in the United Arab Emirates to let these looks really shine.

Photographer: Mazen Abusrour
Videographer: Augusta Quaynor
Stylist: Laura Jane Brown
Makeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska
Talent: Anastasiia Koval and Talal Kahl from Signature Element

ANASTASIIA WEARS Loro Piana jacket, trousers, and heels.
Anastasiia wears Prada gloves and coat.
Anastasiia wears Prada gloves, coat, and boots.
ANASTASIIA WEARS JW Anderson dress, By Far boots, Missoma earrings and ring.
ANASTASIIA WEARS JW Anderson dress, Missoma earrings and ring.
TALAL WEARS Prada jacket, trousers, bodysuit, and shoes
ANASTASIIA WEARS Tiffany & Co. earrings, bracelets, and rings, Dion Lee dress.
TALAL WEARS Balenciaga bag, and jumper.
TALAL WEARS Dior Men shirt, and trousers.
ANASTASIIA WEARS Christian Dior jacket, and boots.
ANASTASIIA WEARS Christian Dior jacket, trousers, and boots.
ANASTASIIA WEARS Gucci bonnet, cardigan, and skirt.
ANASTASIIA WEARS Gucci bonnet, cardigan, and skirt.
ANASTASIIA WEARS Chanel necklace, and jumpsuit.
TALAL WEARS Dior Men jacket, shirt, and trousers.
ANASTASIIA WEARS Tiffany & Co. earrings, and rings, Loro Piana coat, jumper, trousers, 
and loafers, Christian Dior hat.
ANASTASIIA WEARS Tiffany & Co. earrings, and rings, Loro Piana coat, jumper, trousers, 
and loafers, Christian Dior hat.
Image credit: Videographer: Augusta Quaynor. Stylist: Laura Jane Brown. Makeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska. Talent: Anastasiia Koval and Talal Kahl from Signature Element.

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Breakfast that champions: This granola brand shines a light on local produce

When you need a filling, high-fibre breakfast as you rush out the door, granola is a go-to. Luckily, Legendary Locals has done the hard yards for us — picking the best fruits and honey from around the country to combine with their top-notch ingredients.

Hubbards’ new brand Legendary Locals is handmade on our shores and is offering three premium flavour profiles — where you can taste each provenance between a delicious medley of nuts, seeds and coconut chips.

So where do they come from? Stone Fruits with Vanilla shines a light on the sunny Hawke’s Bay’s golden peaches and juicy plums. Forest Berries with Cacao places emphasis on blackberries and strawberries plucked from the Waikato and Manawatū. Meanwhile, Honey Nut (which is grain and fruit free) sees a coating of rich Central Otago mānuka honey add a sweet depth to your granola bowl.

Supporting local producers while setting you up for a great day ahead — sounds like a recipe for success.

Gastronomy

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Blink Stool Chair

New Stellar Works collections have arrived at Backhouse and they have us dreaming of an interior refresh

If all this time once again confined to your home has ignited an appetite for updating your interiors, you’re not alone. Our furniture gets such a workout during this time (especially seating and bedding), and if something isn’t up to scratch either functionally or aesthetically, it very soon becomes apparent. However, some furniture pieces are so covetable, there doesn’t have to be anything ‘wrong’ with our current set-up to warrant swapping them in — such is the case with Shanghai and London-based brand Stellar Works.

Available exclusively at Backhouse in New Zealand, Stellar Works bridges several dichotomies within its collections — the character of heritage and the innovation of modernity; the personal touch of craftsmanship and the accessibility of industry; and principles of both Western and Eastern design, namely European and Japanese. It works with several renowned designers to create its collections, including Yabu Pushelberg, Space Copenhagen and the late Vilhelm Wohlert. 

Freja Stool by SPACE Copenhagen for Stellar Works, featured in Hotel Benedict Noordwijk by Studio Linse.
Slow Dining Chair and Freja Barstool by SPACE Copenhagen for Stellar Works, featured in Hotel Benedict Noordwijk by Studio Linse.

New to Backhouse and in-store now, the Freja stool and bench are an excellent example of this East-meets-West sensibility. The sculptural yet pared-back pieces comprise solid wooden frames and legs that, when seen from different angles, optically interweave, and the seats are crafted from woven paper cord or smooth, plain leather. Overall, the direction of this Space Copenhagen-designed range presents as a blend of “sculptural furniture with the soothing visual appeal of Scandinavian furniture-making traditions and a Japanese mode of expression”. 

From Left: Blink Dining Chair featured in One Riviera Park Shanghai by Steve Leung Design Group; Blink Barstool featured in Barcelona Apartment by Jaime Beriestaina studio.

Another range to arrive just in the nick of time is the Blink collection. Designed by international design firm Yabu Pushelberg, the Blink pieces are minimal and modernist, yet can happily coexist with other design principles in a space. The Blink console would be a sleek addition to an entryway or living area, and the vanity harnesses this same silhouette but with the addition of a spherical mirror that seems to half float in the metal frame. The bar stools are also beautiful; light and playful yet cocooning with a comfortable low back and seat, these stools are available in two heights and are perfect to pull up to a kitchen counter or high table.

Taylor Valet by Yabu Pushelberg for Stellar Works, featured in the Red Hill House by Tom Robertson Architects and Simone Haag.

Yabu Pushelberg’s other Stellar Works range, the Taylor collection, is also now available at Backhouse — comprising slick, versatile seating and a minimalist dining table, the Taylor pieces are both contemporary and timeless.

Each one of these ranges speaks to high quality, impeccable craftsmanship and meticulous design. While Backhouse’s Wellington and Auckland showrooms are closed during alert level 4, the team is still working from home with purchases delivering from level 3 onwards. So, if there’s something that has caught your eye, there’s no need to delay.

Design

Nature and nostalgia collide in this striking residence set in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges
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Bring Bar Non Solo to your abode with this mouth-watering recipe for braised meatballs and Pomodoro sauce

Having opened its doors two weeks ago, Bar Non Solo (the sister venue to beloved Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza) may not have had enough of a chance to welcome the city into its delightful space just yet, but we are resolute that it will be one of the first places we make a beeline for when we’re able to dine out again. Located in the refurbished space that previously housed The Deck at Ostro, Bar Non Solo overlooks the lights of Britomart, offering a convivial go-to for after-work drinks, pre-dinner snacks and lively nightcaps. As with its Parnell sister, the food is incredible, and to tide us over until we can once again visit in person, the team has kindly shared its recipe for braised meatballs in Pomodoro sauce.

Bar Non Solo’s Braised Meatballs in Pomodoro Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:
Pomodoro sauce
½ cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves
1 onion, diced
1 cup leeks, finely chopped
1 cup spring onion, chopped
125mls prosecco
5 cups tinned tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup fresh basil, chopped
Sea salt to season

Meatballs (makes 36 meatballs)
4 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
500g ground pork
500g ground veal
500g ground beef
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
85g minced prosciutto (or ham)
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 cup gruyere, finely grated
60ml cream
100g butter
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to season
Crusty bread to serve with

Method:
Pomodoro sauce
1. In a heavy-based rondeau (a wide, shallow pan) combine the oil, garlic, leeks, and spring onion.
2. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. 
3. Add prosecco and cook for a further 10 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, bring to a boil, stirring well. Lower the heat to a simmer. 
5. Cover the pan and cook for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. 
6. Add parsley and basil and cook for a further 15 minutes. Do not strain.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat, add fresh herbs. Season with salt and put to the side. 

Meatballs
1. In a large pot heat olive oil. Cook onions and garlic for about 10 minutes, until translucent. 
2. Season with salt and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, mix the ground meats with black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. 
4. Mix the chilled onion and garlic into the meat mixture, along with prosciutto. Add the breadcrumbs, eggs, gruyere and cream. Chill for 1 hour. 
5. Once chilled, rolled into 4 centimetre balls. 
6. Heat a large pot or heavy-based frypan. Add butter and bay leaves. Once the butter has melted and is starting to brown, add the desired amount of meatballs (the recommended serving is 4-6 per person). 
7. Gently add the meatballs and brown evenly. 
8. Once golden in colour, cover with Pomodoro sauce. 
9. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked and firm. 
10. Serve with crusty warm bread.

Gastronomy

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Esk Valley Hillside Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc Syrah 2019 from the new Great Dirt range.

Esk Valley bottles the best of Hawke’s Bay with a wine collection that heroes the region’s finest vineyards

When it comes to wine, the terroir is incredibly important. Down to earth in the most discerning way, the characteristics of soil and site are responsible for bestowing each bottle with personality. As we all crave a sense of place, particularly at the moment, the provenance of a vineyard is revealed in a glass of wine, and memories of the season it was made are evoked.

Proud of its unique terroir, Esk Valley is home to some of the most exceptional vineyards in the Hawke’s Bay. The winery’s new Great Dirt collection has been crafted to hero the unique qualities of the vineyards that have long proven to create the most striking and thought-provoking wines. It’s a strikingly simple concept to let their natural resources shine.

Winemaker Gordon Russell.

“Every vineyard has a unique fingerprint that you can taste in its wine,” says Winemaker Gordon Russell. “[But] while all wines echo the site in which the grapes are grown, only a very small number can create truly fine wine.”

The Esk Valley Seabed Chardonnay 2019 hails from the Howard’s vineyard on the edge of the Ahuriri Estuary in Bay View. A former seabed, uplifted by the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake, it imparts a salinity in this inimitable wine.

Sister wine to the renowned Heipipi The Terraces blend, the Esk Valley Hillside Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc Syrah 2019 offers an alternative taste of the limestone and seashell laden soils of one of their finest vineyards, The Terraces. It sways towards red fruit and plum, as opposed to the distinctive brambly character of Heipipi.

Also from The Terraces, this time from a tiny plot of limestone soil, the Hillside Syrah 2019 is a unique and special drop — a lighter and more fragrant expression of Syrah compared to Esk Valley’s well-known examples of the Gimblett Gravels.

From left: Seabed Chardonnay 2019; Hillside Syrah 2019; Hillside Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc Syrah 2019; River Gravel Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2019.

In the depth of the Gimblett Gravels, the River Gravel Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is carefully crafted with a combination of three tiny vineyard plots of greywacke river gravel, which was formed in the wake of the 1867 Ngaruroro River flood. The ultimate selection of heat reflective soils produces a powerful, structured wine to be saved up in the cellar.

With a traditional, hands-off approach to producing its wines, Great Dirt is a true showcase of unquestionably great soil, and a rightful reflection of the natural environment of Hawke’s Bay — from wherever you may be sipping.

“While our analogue approach takes more time and more craft than is usual in today’s world, we believe we have created not only the most inspired, but the most inspiring wines,” says Russell. “[We] look forward to sharing the Great Dirt range with the world’s wine lovers.”

Gastronomy

Auckland’s best vegetarian & Vegan restaurants: Complete 2026 dining guide
Right place, right time: The seafood tower and spicy pineapple margarita that are calling you to take action
Where Industry Insiders Eat: Gavin Doyle