Te Hera Estate

Te Hera is the passion of John Douglas, the ex nurse was one of the first to plant out at Te Muna Road in 1996.  Planted in primarily Pinot Noir, the 12 acre site produces "accountant-shakingly" low volumes of high quality fruit which go into two labels, the premium Te Hera Estate and the second tier "Kiritea".  Te Hera also produces a Reisling from a mere one acre of grapes.

With a genuine concern for the environment in mind, Douglas treats the vineyard and winery as a "living biological system".  Minimal intervention is employed from the growing of the grapes to the handling in the winery where low-tech winemaking methods are used.  

If visiting Te Hera Estate you will not see immaculate vines or grounds.  The Te Hera Estate team is of one man, working hard to produce quality wine at an affordable price.  

Te Hera Estate Pinot Noir is the premium label while "Kiritea" the second tier wine is crafted as an affordable quaffer.  I have in the past been mistaken thinking that I am drinking the premium when in fact have a sample of the Kiritea in hand!  Yet, going back to the premium you find deeper complexity and a striking balance between fruit and savory with silky tannins.