BG Image

A legacy Rooted in the Land

Haythornthwaite Wines began in 1992 with the first vines planted on just under 8 acres. Our first vintage, a Pinot Noir, was released in 1998 and quickly gained national and international recognition. Today, under the expert guidance of winemaker Wendy Potts, we continue to handcraft quality wines from our front block near the tasting room, with a strong focus on sustainability and care for the land.

About Us

Meet the Founders: From Dream to Vineyard

In 1991, Mark Haythornthwaite left the corporate world to pursue a long-held dream of owning a vineyard. With no winemaking background, just a passion for good wine, he planted vines on bare sheep paddocks in 1992. Today, that once-empty land is home to a thriving vineyard, award-winning wines, and a peaceful tasting room. His favourite varieties, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and flagship Pinot Noir, have all earned loyal followings. Susan Andrews, originally focused on her own corporate career, soon joined Mark in the vineyard, drawn in by the romance of wine, the Wairarapa sunshine, and the satisfaction of building something
lasting, together.
Winemaker

Wendy Potts

Our winemaker, Wendy Potts, has over 20 years winemaking experience. She has on Oenology Degree from Charles Stuart University in Australia and has worked in Martinborough, Hawkes Bay, Auckland and Marlborough as well as Oregon, Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Burgundy and the South of France.Wendy works closely with each of her clients to produce wines that reflect the individual vineyards terroir, preferring a minimalistic approach to winemaking and allowing each parcel of fruit to show its own character and style.