Recognition for small wineries

Wine Adventure Co duty manager Hannah Louisson, left, cellar door manager Brendan McDonald and sales assistant Georgia Barrow.

They're representing the little guy big time at the Wine Adventure Co.

The newest player on the Hawke's Bay wine scene, the company opened in early January under the ownership of Gareth Kelly.

It's a crowded market when it comes to all things grape, but cellar door manager Brendan McDonald says Gareth realised some of the smaller wineries were struggling to have their product noticed.

"He saw a need for something where small wineries who can't justify having their own cellar door have somewhere to have their wines available for tasting and purchase," says Brendan. "We want to give the little guys a chance."

The idea proved popular and, as a result, Wine Adventure Co is the sole cellar door for the likes of William Murdoch, Lauregan, Hopes Grove and Element, as well as supplementing a number of other wineries who have limited sales hours.

As well as offering tastings of vintages not available anywhere else, Brendan says another point of difference is in the presentation.

"We're not just about the wine," he says.

"We're all about offering an experience when people come here. It's not just come in, pour some wine, 'that's a sav'. It's come in and learn about each winery. You get taken on a tasting adventure."

As an example, he serves up the story behind the name of three William Murdoch offerings: The Guardsman, Coldstream and Pax.

"William Murdoch was an ancestor of winery owner Brett Murdoch. William was a guardsman in the Coldstream regiment and he believed in peace and harmony, which is what 'pax' means."

Brendan says visitors have expressed their appreciation for such presentations.

"People love the whole idea of us telling them the story of each winery and how they came about. We've had great comments from people who have come in, about the information and the service they've been given."

There are three price levels of wine tastings, while those who want to park up for a bit can enjoy a glass of wine or a local craft beer or cider on the outside back deck, complete with umbrellas and bean bags.

Platters and cheeseboards can be purchased onsite, with all the ingredients also available to buy. Free Wi-Fi and sunscreen are also on offer for a longer linger in the Bay sunshine.

The Wine Adventure Co will add the 'adventure' element next month when they will offer bicycle wine tours.

A pick-up and drop-off service from Napier and Hastings will be part of the experience.

Despite being open for less than two months, Brendan says business is already brisk.

"We're getting more locals coming in, and that's what we want," he says.

"In the middle of winter, it's the locals who will keep us going. They love the fact that we represent the little guys."

- Wine Adventure Co, 403 Ngatarawa Rd, Bridge Pa, open 11.30am-5pm daily. Info: (06) 879-6801 or Facebook.