Just over 30 years ago, we had purchased an apple orchard in Lenswood, in the Adelaide Hills, with the intention of eventually redeveloping it as a vineyard. This was in 1981. After returning from our studies at Geisenheim Institute of Viticulture and Wine Technology in Germany, we were looking to experiment with different varieties in a cool-climate site. Prue spent two years operating the orchard before some of the worst bushfires the country had ever seen - known as the Ash Wednesday bushfires - totally destroyed our orchard. As a result, we brought forward our plans to redevelop the property. The Adelaide Hills has always stood out as a region with exciting potential. We planted Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon in response to theories about cool-climate viticulture, site selection and canopy management. The Lenswood Vineyard became a research and development project, however the vines are now maturing and are producing beautifully balanced wines. The high continentality of the region gives remarkable purity of fruit and acid balance that allows for excellent ageing potential. We planted pinot noir in 1986. 

Our relationship with Negociants New Zealand came about with the opening up of the New Zealand market. We were approached by Brenton Fry of Negociants to look after our export. Negociants New Zealand was our first international distributor in 1985.

Stephen Henschke