village orchard

In 1981, the Village Orchard of Havelock North was established by Dai and Jenny. What ensued was a supply of world class fruit that filled New Zealand lunchboxes and market shelves. With sons Bryn, Rhys and Gareth, hands became available to help fill apple bins, herd sheep and drag irrigation pipes. After a very productive few decades, the family picked their last bins in 2003. 

Village-vineyard

village vineyards

Rhys stepped into grape growing in 2008. He went on a decade of vintages around the globe learning from many talented winemakers. From the Rhone Valley of France to the Hemel en Aarde of South Africa to the Finger Lakes of New York and many places in between. One thing he noticed about the winemakers making truly memorable wines was that they strived to form deep connections with their vineyards and their communities. For Rhys this meant he had to return to Havelock North, the place he is from. Village Vineyards marries together Rhys’ overseas experience and a rich family history of growing fruit in Hawkes Bay.