For many years, we served our country and community, dedicating ourselves to duty, and standing alongside others in their most difficult moments.

Those years taught us discipline, perseverance, and the value of trust. But they also reminded us of what mattered most; family, balance, and building a legacy that would outlast us.

That search for purpose led us here, to the limestone-rich hills and valleys of Waipara, North Canterbury, where cool nights, long sunshine hours, and ancient soils create the perfect balance for flavour and structure in the grapes.

The North Canterbury landscape is both demanding and rewarding, and it pushes us to bring out the very best in our vines.

At Hard Road, our vineyards are family run. We care for the vines ourselves, walking the rows and nurturing them through every season. Our focus is on classic varieties that thrive here: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Pinot Gris.

While our own vineyards are at the heart of Hard Road, we also collaborate with like-minded local growers who share our philosophy of quality and respect for the land. This not only allows us to highlight the breadth of what North Canterbury can produce, but also ensures we can meet demand reliably while staying true to our values.

Our philosophy is simple: grow grapes of exceptional quality, nurture them with respect, and let the wine speak of its origin. We see ourselves as guardians of the land, responsible for protecting it so that future generations, our children and theirs, can continue the story.

Our family’s story begins far from the vineyard

Snow-covered vineyard with rows of grapevines and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Two dogs, one sitting and one lying down, in a grassy field with a metal storage container in the background.

Each bottle carries with it the character of North Canterbury, the integrity of our family’s journey, and the belief that wine should be more than a drink.

It should be an experience, a memory, a connection.