Brick Bay Farm takes its name from the small bay on the eastern boundary of the property, a pretty beach accessible via Sandspit, fringed by pohutukawas with stunning views out to Kawau Island.
Our 4 hectare north-facing vineyard, sloping down to lakes and flanked by native bush, was planted in 1995. The Pinot Gris block was the first to be planted while we waited for further low-vigour rootstocks for the grafting of our red varieties which were added the following year. The original plantings gave us 25% Pinot Gris while the remaining 75% were Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec. Subsequent successful topgrafting has increased our Pinot Gris and Malbec, reducing our Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2003 a new 1 hectare block was established with more Pinot Gris and Petit Verdot, giving us a total of 5 hectares planted.
October 30 is a small 3 hectare BioGro Certified vineyard/winery in Matakana. Our first vintage was 2018. Wines we produce are Gruner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Rose, Methode Traditionalle and a Syrah.
The name October 30 comes from the owners birthday and the label is an original Hundertwasser painting done for a European Wine Charity auction 30 years ago. We are a proud little winery supporting art and the new Whangarei Art Center.
