Welcome
Philip Jones and Sheryl Jones established the winery in 1990. Philip is a graduate of the University of California with degrees in Viticulture and Integrated Pest Management. He worked for eighteen years as a consultant to the agricultural industry and during this period trained as a Winemaker at California State University. His experience as both a Winemaker and Viticulturist contribute greatly to the winery direction and success. Spencer Hill is Nelson’s second largest winery in sales.
After investigating viticultural areas throughout New Zealand it was decided to establish vineyards and a winery in the Upper Moutere hills close to Nelson. The first wines were produced in 1994 and were quickly recognized as some of New Zealand best wines.
Over the years additional vineyards were planted and brands added. Goose Bay wines were developed for the kosher market throughout the world and Spencer Hill is the only New Zealand winery to make kosher wines. The highly successful Latitude 41 range is a blend of Nelson and Marlborough grapes resulting in a wine that offers the best of both areas.
INNOVATION.
Innovation in the winery is no stranger to Spencer Hill. From a closure standpoint we were the first to use synthetic corks and then Diam corks in our entire range. We still consider Diam the best closures available,. We were also the first New Zealand winery to use the Zork closure in a major range of wines. We use screw caps only when requested as we consider them limiting in allowing our wines to age in the manner we expect. We were also the first to use native yeast’s for our entire range of red wines.
Viticultural innovation saw Spencer Hill introducing Pinot Gris, Viognier and Tempranillo to the Nelson area, which is now developing a reputation for its aromatic wines. We introduced the use of steel posts to the Nelson area thus reducing the effects on the environment from treated wood posts. In site selection, our Coastal Ridge vineyards are the only ones planted in this part of Tasman Bay. The wines from this vineyard are exceptional.
SUSTAINABILITY.
Spencer Hill has been a leader in sustainable farming practices long before the idea became widespread. Philip Jones, as Managing Director, has used his training in Integrated Pest Management to provide expertise in vineyard and winery sustainability. IPM techniques are generaly considered more site specific than are broadbased national sustainablity programs. In addition, thousands of trees have been planted, surrounding the vineyards so that the forested area now exceeds the vineyard area. Ponds have been built for wildlife and all these areas are left untouched which has allowed an abundance of wildlife to flourish.
OVERSEAS.
We are branching out and have planted vineyards in the Columbia Gorge area of Washington State. This very new viticultural area will help us learn new ideas and become familiar with potential new varieties such as Alborino and Tempranillo. We are slowly growing with our many distributors throughout the world but are determined to make sure of one thing; that our wines continue to meet the expectations of our devoted and growing customer base around the world.