Ash Ridge Winery is a boutique winery, organic vineyard, cellar door and kitchen based in the heart of Hawke’s Bay’s picturesque Bridge Pā Triangle. Leith and Tracy Ashworth are the proud owners of Ash Ridge and celebrated their ‘two years in business’ anniversary by winning Cellar Door of the Year at the prestigious Bayleys Hawke’s Bay Wine Awards.
The opportunity to purchase Ash Ridge was a huge leap of faith for Leith and Tracy to develop their own wines and winery experience, and also to provide a legacy for Junction Wines. The benefits of having multiple vineyards, each with its own distinct terroir and climate, provide variety and expression to the range. Junction Vineyard’s stony gravels and long cool nights of the Takapau Plains produce exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Flora, whilst the sun-drenched red metal terraces of Ash Ridge Vineyard showcase Syrah, Malbec, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and 2023 was the first vintage of a bold and modern Chenin Blanc, named Imogen after the oldest Ashworth child.
The welcoming cellar door and tasting room offers a leafy al fresco space, suitable for indoor and outdoor dining – perfect for the entire family. Spend the afternoon with a glass of wine or two, grazing on a fresh platter or pizza, amongst the grapevines. Members of the Ash Ridge Wine Club receive a curated wine box three times a year and access to year-round discounts; the popular harvest-pick long lunch; and blending and new-release sessions to truly experience the Ash Ridge grape-to-glass philosophy.
“As a small, organic, family-run vineyard, every drop has been handcrafted with care by our small team on site, and we hope to surprise you with the large number of different, quality varieties we have on our tasting list! We know you’ll love the full experience of Ash Ridge, from the fun you’ll have at our cellar door to spotting our farm animals wandering the vines (organic mowers) to the taste of our fresh, vibrant and highly acclaimed (yet affordable) wines. We’re proud to continue living our legacy as great local Hawke’s Bay producers.”
Ash Ridge Wines is located 15 minutes from Hastings or 20 minutes from Napier at the heart of the Bridge Pā Triangle, and the Cellar Door is open weekends all year round.
Visit: www.ashridgewines.com and www.junctionwines.co.nz
2023 Elodie Bubbles, Sparkling Brut
Elodie Bubbles is a sparkling brut composed of classic Champagne varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Petite Verdot and Flora. Named for 6-year-old Elodie, the youngest of the Ashworth children, this wine is quelque chose de spécial. In other words, of something special.
Effervescent and lively, Elodie Bubbles has a fresh nose of apple with a hint of citrus, leaving you wanting more. The perfect sparkling to celebrate any occasion.
2023 Estate Rosé
The Ash Ridge 2023 Estate Rosé is 100% Syrahbased and is composed of the Chave clone. The fruit was machine-harvested in April, where it went directly to press. From here, it underwent a 3-hour press cycle. Only the free-run juice was collected and pumped directly to tank.
A cold-temperature ferment extended the fermentation period for a total of two months and allowed the wine to develop an aromatic complexity of stone fruit, strawberry, mineral and floral notes. It is a wine that is a perfect partner for the summer holidays
