About Us

Grapes were first planted at Heron's Flight Vineyard in 1987, by David Hoskins – a chemist and philosopher turned winemaker, and Mary Evans – a scholar and teacher with a love of history, art and literature.

 

Together they have made wine, raised a family, and run a successful business from the land for over 20 years – it has become their turangawaewae. Over the years they have adjusted many aspects of the business, including the grapes grown in the vineyard and the nature of the original vineyard café – which has also been their own residence since the early 1990s.

 

The lessons learned through 20 years in business, as well as the changes in the environmental and political landscapes since Heron's Flight was first established, culminated in the establishment of Heron's Flight Vineyard Restaurant and Winemaker's Centre late in 2006. The aim of the facility is to provide a welcoming and stimulating environment where people can share Mary and David's respect for the land and its products, as well as their passion for excellent wine, fresh food and the stories of the people from the Matakana area.

 

Heron's Flight follows sustainable ecological principles, and these are incorporated into every aspect of its operations including water conservation, the use of recycled materials, the energy-efficient building design, and the biodiversity of the surrounding heritage gardens. With several different spaces incorporated under the one roof, Heron's Flight Vineyard Restaurant and Winemaker's Centre provides a unique and special facility for you and your guests.

 

The comfortable and sustainable nature of the building, combined with the unique wines and fresh, locally grown food, means that no matter what the occasion we can assure you of a truly pleasurable and peaceful experience.

 

Our latest media link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3unbKfjhhA