Elephant Hill Estate And Winery Officially Opens

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

© Scoop Media