TONY BISH WINES

Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Philosophy & Site

A true New Zealand winemaking legend.

Chardonnay runs through his veins and music fires his soul. Never happier than with dirt under his nails, a basket of freshly picked grapes in his arms, and the coast within easy driving distance.

Tony works alongside his son Oscar in the winery, and his daughter Genevieve in sales & marketing making TBW a true family business.

The ultimate aim is to make Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay with heart and soul, showcasing New Zealand Chardonnay as some of the best in the world. With over 30 years of experience and building grower relationships Tony has access to the finest Chardonnay grown in New Zealand. All vineyards practice regenerative farming with a particular focus on soil health and minimising any practises that may harm soil microbe activity or damage soil structure. Wildflowers and companion plants (along with a few tolerated weeds) are a common site in growers’ vineyards.

Kokako Farms – Ohiti Valley, Hawke’s Bay

This stunning vineyard runs parallel to the Ngaruroro River, one of the three defining rivers in Hawke’s Bay. Planted with a passion to produce world-class Chardonnay, reflecting the essence of this unique river valley

Two Terraces - Mangatahi, Hawke’s Bay
Elevated and inland, Two Terraces is planted on silt and sand loam soils sitting above the famous alluvial red metals of the area.

Skeetfield - Omahu, Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay’s oldest Mendoza clone Chardonnay vines, dry farmed on one glorious hectare. This vineyard has been producing outstanding Chardonnay for over 30 years.

Winemaking

Art, science and faith in the ferment

“We’ve always liked playing around the edges to get to the tantalising core of a great wine. Tony loves the creativity, and Oscar leans towards the science, so we meet at a place where the balance of both brings out the best in the wine. We’re innovators, so we put intense thought into the vessel selection, choosing from our unique collection of eggs, Cuves and barrels - Chardonnay is all about the vessel shape drawing out the true, individual expressions of our distinctive vineyards into our Chardonnays. Our handpicked fruit is gently whole bunch pressed with no additives, and then it’s pretty hands off as we let the natural ferments work their magic in their own sweet time, creating the balance, finesse and complexity you’ll enjoy in every one of our premium wines.

We Say

“Tony is a master of his art, making exceptional Chardonnay. The Skeetfield is a stunning example of just how good New Zealand’s Chardonnay can be, and at a price point that puts most Burgundy to shame. There is a thread of purity, concentration and refinement that runs through his wines and the fruit quality is highlighted from the moment you taste his wines.”

They Say

“Brilliant tasting with the Chardonnay master @tonybishwines including one very special wine that may be the best NZ Chardonnay of all!!”

Dr Jamie Goode