Elephant Hill Estate And Winery Officially Opens
Sunday, November 23, 2008
TE AWANGA, HAWKE’S BAY, NEW ZEALAND
For release from November 23rd, 2008, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Elephant Hill Estate and Winery Ltd will officially open this Sunday November 23rd in the beautiful coastal region of Te
Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s premier wine growing regions.
As a producer of premium single-estate Hawke’s Bay wine, the vineyard enjoys the spoils of a temperate, dry climate and
an extended growing season. Cooled by afternoon sea breezes, the shingle vineyard grows wines that display a wonderful
fruit purity and elegance.
Principal owners, Reydan and Roger Weiss first fell in love with the beauty of this region when visiting in 2001, the
first vines were planted were planted in 2003 and the inaugural vintage occurred in 2006. Today, the NZ$40 million
dollar state-of-the-art winery produces award winning world class wines.
“The opening of Elephant Hill is a fantastic achievement and is testament to a unified vision driven by a team dedicated
to an uncompromising commitment to quality. We are now looking forward to welcoming guests to enjoy the spoils of
Elephant Hill; superb wines, inspired and delicious food prepared in our restaurant and the endless beautiful views”
said Günter Thies, Managing Director.
With the distinctive Elephant-hide effect label texture, the Elephant Hill Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and
Syrah are the hallmarks of dedication to produce classical world-class wines. The Pinot Noir completes the suite and
celebrates the winery philosophy; “to preserve the variety expression of the fruit grown on the estate vineyards and to
produce elegant, sophisticated and fruit driven wines, to express the personality and character of the region from which
they are grown”.
Designed by New Zealand architect John Blair, the design of Elephant Hill was inspired by the Pacific Ocean and the
natural beauty of the Te Awanga coastline including the iconic form of Cape Kidnappers.
“Our desire has always been to build a destination and create facilities of the highest world class technical and
artistic calibre. These two characteristics are the essence of growing grapes, and creating wine.” said John Blair.
Used in notable European projects and restorations, this is the first time that pre-aged European cooper cladding has
been used in New Zealand and the effect is stunning with the colour complementing the ocean and vines and the horizontal
lines shaping with the vine rows and the distant horizon.
With its sunken lounge, expansive terrace and contemporary style, the Elephant Hill restaurant merges the visual feast
of the stunning views with a wonderful food and wine dining experience.
From wine tastings at the cylindrical cellar door or enjoying lunch and sharing tasting plates and wine on the terrace
overlooking the infinity inspired pool, vines and ocean the restaurant effortlessly transcends day and night. As the
sun sets the ambience transforms to dining elegance complete with white linen and a superb menu using only the freshest
produce and inspired by contemporary European cuisine.
“It is imperative that our food complement our premium wines. We want the very best experience for our visitors so that
they leave with wonderful memories embodying the complete Elephant Hill experience, finest wines, stunning views and
perfect dining” said, Günter Thies.
Elephant Hill Restaurant is open 7 days from 11am – 10pm.
The extraordinary and superbly talented José Carreras will perform for one exclusive NZ concert on Saturday, January
31st, 2009. With a stunning coastal location and magnificent views over vines and the Pacific Ocean, Elephant Hill
Estate & Winery is the ideal concert location to host the internationally acclaimed José Carreras.
José Carreras will be joined on stage by the Vector Wellington Orchestra, and guest Soprano Anna Leese.
Tickets on sale now through Ticketmaster, 0800 111 999 www.ticketmaster.co.nz – this is a fully seated outdoor winery
concert.
Elephant Hill Estate & Winery Ltd, 86 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Elephant Hill Restaurant open 7 days from 11am – 10pm
ELEPHANT HILL ESTATE & WINERY LTD – BRIEF FACTS
The first planting of over 25 hectares was in 2003
The vineyard has a variety of soil types; near the sea front is heavily shingle soiled and in other areas sandy,
fine, clay and silt soils can be found
Hawke’s Bay has a low annual rainfall of approximately 780mm
The sea breeze at Te Awanga allows for excellent maturation and ripening of grapes while still preserving a
lively acidity
The moderated climate of this coastal location results in intense flavour development within a shorter ripening
periodÂ
The suite of wines; Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir is a tribute to the climate and
growing environment
Over time, the pre aged copper is exposed to the salt laden breeze, the physical and visual effects of this
natural aging process will integrate seamlessly
The processed green, pre-aged copper is a material that has not been previously used in New Zealand
The sleek rectangular panels run horizontally across the exterior, resulting in the illusion of the building
receding visually into its background
The horizontal lines also echo the planting lines of the vineyard and the horizon of the Pacific Ocean
The 2nd year barrel room ceiling used over 1600 tonnes of concreteÂ
Elephant Hill is named after the Burmese elephant and the backdrop of rolling hills and the iconic Hawke’s Bay
landmark, Te Mata Peak
The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11am – 10am
The wine list is extensive and showcases local, national and international wines
The menu is inspired by contemporary European cuisine and uses only the freshest produce
The cellar door offers an extensive wine tasting experience
ends