Jo and John Ashworth

John has painted a canvas to tell the story of the Junction Vineyard.

He draws together the Ruggles Truck from Joanne’s family, his Cantabrian Rugby Roots and the north facing red metal terraces of their farm.

Jo’s Family originally owned the Ruggles and Jo and John were able to bring it back into the family.

“It was going to Invercargill to a Truck Museum. Bill Richardson heard our story so he stopped, bought it back and said if we really wanted it we could have it.”

It took John a while to come around to using his All Black pedigree to promote their wine. Now he modestly says “we are pushing the rugby along a little bit.”

He is enthusiastic about the development of his wine. He talks of the cool nights and hots days that are good for Pinot, the long cool growing season allows for intense aromatic award winning wines.

His grapes are subject to a changeable climate that results in either gooseberry tones similar to Marlborough or the tropical fruit flavours of Hawks Bay.

His son Leith is the wine maker, combining the knowledge he has gained in studying the craft in NZ and France.

The Junction Vineyard, owned by former All Black front row forward John Ashworth and family, is located at the junction of State Highway 2 with State HIghway 50 on the windswept stony gravels of the Takapau Plains in Central Hawkes Bay, New Zealand.

This small, boutique vineyard enjoys the long, cool Central Hawkes Bay growing seasons, allowing son and winemaker Leith to naturally produce award-winning, intense, aromatic wines which are very distinctive and unique for you to enjoy.

Wines currently available:

2006 Pinot Gris
2007 Pinot Gris (Bronze 2008 Royal Easter Show)
2006 Riesling Three Sisters
2007 Riesling
2008 Side Step Gewurztraminer
2007 Sauvingnon Blanc
2008 Free Run Sauvignon Blanc
2008 Corner Post Sauvignon Blanc
2008 CHB Chardonnay
2008 Front Row Pinot Noir

Junction of Highway 2 & highway 50,
r.d.2 takapau, central hawkes bay,
new zealand.
0064 68558321

http://www.junctionwines.com/

Raewyn and Rod

Raewyn and Rod are the custodians of the house built by the Hunter Family.

George Hunter, his wife Helen and family of 10, plus a cow, came to New Zealand aboard the ship “Duke of Roxburgh” from Portsmouth.
Their journey took 128 days and the family arrived on the 8th of February 1840, two days after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The cow had died but the piano forte, plough share and other goods arrived safely. Sir George was a respected public figure and Parliamentarian. 

The Hunter Family built the church on the property in the 1870s, importing stained glass windows that date from the 18th century.

The Porangahau Station Homestead was destroyed by fire in 1920. It was rebuilt in the Arts and Crafts Architectural style of the times. The house is informal and unpretentious, but sophisticated in a subtle way. The design suggests handcraftsmanship and sits in harmony with the grounds, swimming pool and tennis court.

Material referenced from “Hunter, a history of an early New Zealand Family” compiled by William Gruar and “New Zealand Houses – The Arts and Crafts” weblog by Deon Swiggs




 

The Misty River Cafe, Waipawa

Middle of a Recession, Middle of Winter, Middle of Nowhere...

...and thriving.

When Kris knew his mother was coming to cook for him he was confident he would do OK.

Julie makes specials every day because she like the variety. She says the customes have confidence in the quality of the food so everything on the menu sells.

Attention to detail extends to the sunny courtyard herb garden and a sweet tussy-mussy in the loo.

12 High St Waipawa