Bay wine identity passes in Germany

PASSED AWAY: Elephant Hill proprietor Roger Weiss has died suddenly while overseas. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

Hawke's Bay resident and Elephant Hill proprietor Roger Weiss has died suddenly while overseas.

A death notice for Mr Weiss was published in this weekend's Hawke's Bay Today.

It stated he passed away suddenly in Germany on September 21.

He was a dearly loved husband of Reydan, and much loved father and father-in-law of Andreas and Karina, Christina and Helge, Rania and Randy, it read.

"A special Opa to his eight Grandchildren."

Mr Weiss was the principal owner of the award-winning Elephant Hill estate and Vineyard in Te Awanga.

The estate's staff also paid tribute to him in a notice.

"Roger was admired by all those involved at Elephant Hill and an inspiration to many within the Hawke's Bay community," they wrote.

They said their deepest sympathies were with Mr Weiss' family.

The estate has been a staple of the Hawke's Bay winery scene since it officially opened in 2008.

According to its website, Mr and Mrs Weiss "fell in love with the beauty of Te Awanga" when visiting the region from Germany in 2001.

"Together they envisaged owning a state-of-the-art winery, merging the traditional values of wine making with an innovative approach and contemporary style to produce exceptional wines to savour and enjoy."

Mr Weiss' son, Andreas, is the vineyard's CEO.

A celebration of his life would be held in Germany in the coming days.