Gordon Russell has established himself as one of New Zealand's most recognised winemaking identities with his passionate approach to winemaking, and the enormous success he has achieved with his wines in tastings and competitions. Gordon was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand. Following university, his desire to travel took him to England and Europe for three years where his interest in different flavours and trying new foods developed, along with his appreciation for fine wine. In 1986 Gordon returned to New Zealand, just when the wine styles for which New Zealand has become highly regarded were beginning to emerge. He was appointed as Esk Valley Winemaker in 1993, after working for Villa Maria in Auckland as a cellar hand from 1987 and then as Assistant Winemaker to Grant Edmonds at Esk Valley from 1990. Gordon believes that the concept of 'texture' in a wine is as important as the aromas and flavours of the wine. By 'texture' he means the balance and harmony of the wine, together with complexity and palate interest. He aims to produce premium hand-crafted wines that are both elegant and sophisticated, and which truly reflect the character of the individual vineyards. Gordon was named as New Zealand Winemaker of the Year in 2007, an accolade befitting his skill and passion for winemaking. In 2018, Gordon celebrated his 25th year as Winemaker for Esk Valley.

Join us instore this Organic Wine Week as we not only celebrate organic wine, but also create awarness around organic wine, educate customers on why consuming organic is both good for them and for the land, and support organic producers to ensure a healthy future world for us all!

Today we'll be tasting Family Estates Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Family Estates Organic Albarino, and Family Estates Organic Pinot Noir from 3pm till 6pm.

We've got Danielle from Negociants with us this afternoon to take us through a tasting of Pencarrow Chardonnay, Yalumba Samuels Collection Shiraz and Nautilus Brut. Join us instore today for a free tasting of these excellent wines from 4pm till 6pm and learn a bit about the brands and their wine styles.

Join us instore today for a free tasting of some great spring sparklers from 4pm till 6pm. You just might find your new spring time wine...

Hugh Crichton became the Vidal Estate winemaker in 2006, having worked with the Vidal Estate winemaking team in various capacities since 2004. Prior to joining Vidal Estate, Hugh had established a solid winemaking career both in New Zealand and overseas, working vintages at Chateau Soutard Grande Cru Classe in Saint Emilion France, Chard Farm in Central Otago, Donnafugata in Italy and several at Millton Vineyards in Gisborne where his inspiration for environmentally conscious and organic winemaking and viticulture was fostered. Producing wines which are truly reflective of the region and vineyards where the grapes are grown is also at the core of Hugh’s winemaking philosophy.

It's the grape varietal everybody loves to hate, but there is more to Riesling and many more styles of Riesling than the sweet wine people have come to know. For this wine club we will try several different styles of Riesling from different regions and explain why these wines are like they are. Looking at expanding your palate for aromatics, this is the wine club for you.